The Kugel hernia mesh patch was developed to help eliminate the tension on abdominal muscles after open ventral hernia repair, which reduces pain and discomfort after surgery. Surgeons make a small incision, create a pocket in the perperitoneal space, and fit the Kugel mesh between the hernia and the abdominal wall. Surgeons appreciated the Kugel patch because of a spring action coil, which allowed the patch to be folded for insertion, but then opened the patch to lay flat against the weak tissue surrounding the hernia. This added extra support to that tissue, reducing the strain that many patients felt. As a hernia patch, the Kugel mesh was revolutionary. Over 78,000 patients received a Kugel hernia patch during their hernia surgeries.
Kugel Hernia Patch Complications
Unfortunately, the Kugel hernia mesh patches did not work exactly how Davol, the manufacturer, had hoped. In February of 2003, Davol began receiving complaints about the patch. Apparently, the spring-loaded recoil on the patch was subject to break under the strain of the abdominal muscles. After the patch broke, many would fold in half. The hard plastic rim of the patch would then form sharp edges, which often punctured internal organs.
These injuries can lead to serious illness and infections, including chronic intestinal fistulae, bowel perforation, and bowel obstruction. Patients with the Kugel mesh patch were complaining of unexplained abdominal pain, fever, and tenderness at the site of the surgery. When left untreated, many of the illnesses and infections can lead to death. Davol began recalling the Kugel mesh patches in December of 2005. In their place, new hernia mesh patches were distributed, which were larger and more stable.
Legal Recourse for Kugel Patients
Many patients that have experienced pain and illness due to the Kugel hernia mesh patch have decided to seek legal action against Davol, the makers of the patch. The damages that claimants are seeking include financial recovery for medical bills, additional surgery, and lost wages. Other damages include loss of quality of life and pain and suffering. Family members that have lost loved ones as a result of the Kugel mesh patch breakage are seeking money for the unpaid medical bills. There is no class action suit against Davol at this time, so individuals must bring their own case against the makers of the hernia patch.
These lawsuits state that Davol has a responsibility, as a medical device or pharmaceutical company, to provide safe products to the public. The claimants believe that there was not adequate testing on the Kugel hernia patch before it was released for use in hernia surgeries. Patients also claim that the marketing materials for the Kugel hernia mesh patch did not fully describe the possible complications that could arise from using the hernia patch. Those that would like to seek their own legal recourse against the company should first ensure that they do, indeed, have the Kugel hernia patch, and they should consult their home state’s statute of limitations to be sure that the time limit has not passed.
Author Resource:
Henry Anderson is the author of this article on Hernia Mesh Recall .
Find more information about Kugel Mesh Trial here.
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