A massive recall was initiated a few years ago involving the Kugel Mesh Hernia Patch, but unfortunately many people were harmed before these products were pulled off the market. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), this medical device can lead to bowel perforations and chronic intestinal fistulae, which are “abnormal connections or passageways between the intestines and other organs.”
The Bard Composix Kugel Mesh Patch, manufactured by Davol, Inc., was designed to repair hernias that were caused by thinning or stretching of scar tissue that sometimes occurs following surgery. The patch was placed behind the hernia through a small incision and was held by a memory recoil ring, which allowed it to be folded during insertion and later opened to lay flat in place.
It was discovered that the memory recoil ring had the potential to break when it was placed in the abdominal area. As a result, the patient could suffer from bowel rupture or chronic intestinal fistulae. Some of the symptoms associated with ring breakage include the following:
- Unexplained abdominal pain
- Persistent pain in the abdominal region
- Fever
- Tenderness at the implant site
- Death
Approximately 750,000 surgeries are performed each year to repair hernias using the Kugal Mesh Patch. If you are among the numerous patients who have suffered from this defective medical device, you can and should pursue legal action against the responsible party. You may be entitled to financial compensation for your injuries. Contact a Florida mass tort attorney at the Law Offices of Lilly, O’Toole & Brown at (863) 683-1111 for a legal consultation.