Kugel Mesh a Mess for Some

Phoenix, AZForgive the patient for assuming that when he or she is treated for a condition that requires surgery, the expertise of the surgeon, together with the reputation and quality of any implements required, are beyond reproach. But that didn't seem to be the case with the Kugel Mesh, a hernia patch that proved less than stellar. Indeed, the Kugel Mesh patch formed the basis of, for some, years of pain.

The Kugel Mesh patch was hailed as a cost-effective breakthrough in hernia repair. Remember that term—'breakthrough'—as it carries some significance. Once a major and invasive surgery, hernia repair has evolved to a laparoscopic procedure that results in a small incision, through which catheters are inserted for the placement of a hernia repair patch.

In the case of the Kugel Mesh, the development of a 'memory recoil ring' to hold the mesh in place was considered a breakthrough that improved the effectiveness of the hernia repair procedure, and it has been reported, at reduced cost.

However, it soon became apparent that the 'breakthrough' product was literally breaking through...

In some patients the memory rings, which are inserted in a collapsed state then expanded once inside the abdomen, were failing at the welds. Actually breaking apart, the sharp edges were found to threaten soft tissue such as intestines and bowels.

The memory recoil rings were recalled, and manufacturer Davol quickly acted to strengthen the welds, and increase the overall integrity of the rings.

But it would be too late for some patients, who were either made to suffer extreme pain and discomfort, or to this day live in constant fear that the suspect Kugel Mesh in their body might be one that will eventually, 'let go'…

It's not only frustrating for the patient, who may experience problems on the job and whose work may suffer from the chronic discomfort of a failed hernia procedure, but also damaging to any belief that implicit trust in the health care system still has value.

Consider the story of a patient from Phoenix, who had his hernia initially treated in 2003 with a Kugel Mesh patch. A year later a second surgery was required to correct a problem when the hernia repair product failed to perform correctly.

Following the second surgery, the patient complained of back and abdominal pain that was chronic and excruciating. For four years, the patient suffered from daily pain. The man's original surgeon was of the opinion that his hernia was fine, and refused to believe that anything was wrong.

Finally, after much anguish a third surgery was performed, and the reason for the man's pain became evident: the defective mesh had come loose and invaded the man's small intestine. The wayward mesh had then proceeded to wrap around the intestine, and was found to be the cause of the patient's excruciating pain.

The only way the surgeon could affect a repair was to cut away the intestine, which had been negatively impacted by the defective Kugel Mesh patch.

Needless to say, the patient is part of a large group of hernia patients who have launched, or who have joined lawsuits against Davol and D.R. Bard with regard to the defective Kugel Mesh patch.

If you, or a loved one has suffered as the result of the implantation of a hernia patch from this company, seek the advice of a Kugel Mesh patch attorney, who can advise you on your options with regard to compensation for pain, suffering and medical bills by way of a Kugel Mesh lawsuit.