Understanding hernia mesh issues in light of new claims
Anyone can experience a hernia in their lifetime, whether they are the epitome of health or not. Nearly one in ten is diagnosed with the common medical condition in the UK, and more than 100,000 procedures are completed throughout the UK to help treat hernias each year. In most cases, repairing a hernia is a simple process that involves minimally invasive surgery. But when things go awry, hernia treatment can cause more harm than good. Several men throughout the UK are coming together to share their stories relating to hernia treatment side effects, specifically those involving hernia mesh repair.
Despite the common diagnosis and subsequent treatment, many have concerns related to hernia repair that includes mesh implants. Over the last year, the use of mesh in medical procedures has come under fire and sparked heated debate among patient advocacy groups, medical professionals and surgeons, and patients alike. The uproar has been catapulted into the limelight by thousands of women sharing their negative and life-changing experiences after receiving a mesh implant for the treatment of incontinence or prolapse. Although many procedures go off without a hitch, there are just as many that result in devastating side effects. The same is now being seen among men who received mesh implants for hernia treatment, and some of these patients are calling for their voice to be heard.
Complications and Their Impact
Put in the simplest terms, a hernia is a hole or tear in the muscle or tissue wall that allows organs to push through. Some individuals may experience no warning signs or symptoms of a hernia while others may be able to see a bulge or feel consistent pressure at the site of the tear. Pain or discomfort is often felt when strain is put on the body, like when standing up, doing strenuous activity, or coughing. Vomiting may also be a symptom, but typically in more severe cases. Although obesity, lifting heavy objects often, persistent coughing or sneezing, and lifestyle choices like smoking and excessive drinking all increase the likelihood of experiencing a hernia, anyone from a child to an older adult can get a hernia at some point in their life.
Hernias that go untreated may lead to increasingly uncomfortable circumstances, affecting one’s ability to function in life as they normally would. Not getting treatment may also allow a hernia to grow in size, which can complicate surgical repair in the future. There is also a risk of a hernia strangulating, meaning the bowel becomes trapped. Because of these risks, hernia treatment is recommended for most patients.
The most commonly recommended hernia treatment involves the insertion of mesh to help close up the tear. However, mesh repair surgery comes with complex ramifications for patients when treatment is not successful. The men banding together to call for the removal of mesh hernia repair treatments across the board have experienced a range of side effects, including chronic pain and discomfort, an inability to be intimate with their partners, and declining self-esteem. A group of medical negligence claims specialist in the UK explains that while there are some patients who have no side effects, those who do are often unable to return to normal life with ease. Hernias may reoccur after mesh repair surgery, or the mesh may migrate to other parts of the body post-procedure. Bowel obstruction may also occur in more severe cases. Men who experience these side effects are often met with resistance in the medical community when it comes to correcting the mesh repair issues.
Calling for Change
Mesh repair surgery for hernia patients has long been the suggested treatment, but with the increased number of men submitting complaints after the fact, some are calling for a widespread ban on mesh use for hernias. There are viable alternatives, including stitching and laparoscopic surgery, that do not require mesh to be inserted at the site of the hernia tear. While these procedures come with fewer complicated side effects and a reduced threat of hernia recurrence, medical providers continue to use mesh as their only tool to treat hernias. As more men come together as women have done in recent months for similar issues with pelvic mesh surgery, they hope to shed enough light on hernia mesh repair risks to create change for the better.
