Hernia Mesh Patch

Hernia repair surgery is one of the most common general surgeries performed.

 The Kugel patch is used to repair both Inguinal and Ventral hernias.

• Inguinal hernias develop when soft tissue that is usually part of the intestine protrudes through a weak area or tear in your lower abdominal wall. This condition, while it is common, can be very painful especially when you cough, bend over or lift a heavy object.
• Ventral hernias usually occur in the abdominal muscles where a previous surgical incision was made. The surgical incision causes the muscles to weaken which results in a bulge or tear.

Davol, Inc. and its subsidiary C.R. Bard, Inc. is the manufacturer of the Bard Composix Kugel Mesh Patches that have been recalled. There have been recalls for these hernia patches on three separate occasions:

• December 22, 2005
• March 31, 2006
• January 24, 2007

Your hernia patch is defective if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms:

• Unexplained, severe abdominal pain
• Nausea
• Fever
• Vomiting
• Large bulge and/or tenderness at the surgery site

A list of the product codes for the recalled Kugel patches are:

• 0010202
• 0010204
• 0010206
• 0010207
• 0010208
• 0010209

The defective recoil ring in the hernia patch can cause serious, life-threatening complications. Some of the complications the defective patch can cause are:

• Bowel perforation or obstruction;
• Chronic intestinal fistulae (an abnormal connection between the intestines and another structure.)
• Severe infection
• Death

If you or someone you know has had hernia surgery and a Kugel patch was implanted, please contact Lowe & Grammas LLP. One of our attorneys will be glad to discuss your potential claims with you.