Bard Sepramesh Class Action Lawsuits, Lawyers and Settlements

If you underwent surgery to repair a hernia using Sepramesh™ and have developed postoperative injuries, you might have a claim against the mesh manufacturer. The hernia mesh attorneys at Stern Law, PLLC, can help you understand your rights and determine whether you can file a lawsuit.

Types of Hernias

A hernia occurs when internal organs (usually the intestines) protrude through a weakened wall of muscle or tissue. Hernias are most common in the abdomen but can also develop in other areas of the body in both men and women. The general types of hernias include:

• Umbilical – Hernia near the belly button
• Ventral – Hernia in the abdominal wall
• Inguinal – Hernia in the groin area
• Femoral – Hernia in the inner thigh area
• Hiatal – Hernia in the chest and diaphragm area
• Epigastric – Hernia between the chest and belly button
• Incisional – Hernia at the site of a previous surgical incision

One of the many products surgeons can use to correct hernias is the Bard Sepramesh™ IP Composite.

What is Sepramesh™?

Sepramesh™, also known as Sepramesh™ IP Composite, is a surgical mesh product manufactured by Davol Inc., which is a subsidiary of C.R. Bard, Inc. It is constructed of polypropylene monofilaments strung into fibers and knitted together to form a piece of mesh. Sepramesh™ is used for repair of hernias in almost all areas of the body.

Unlike many of Davol’s other mesh products, which have one standard shape, Sepramesh™ is a flat sheet of mesh that can be cut into various shapes and sizes to fit individual patients. Sepramesh™ is one in a line of Davol’s mesh products containing its Sepra® technology, including a “hydrogel barrier” that purportedly minimizes tissue attachment to the mesh and aids in the healing process. The hydrogel barrier initially swells upon implantation and is resorbed within about 30 days following the patient’s surgery.

3DMax™ Mesh Injuries

Numerous patients who have undergone surgery to repair a hernia using Sepramesh™ have experienced subsequent problems related the mesh implant. Injuries can range from more minor infections to those requiring multiple additional surgeries. The most common injuries we have seen in our practice include:

• Chronic pain – Many clients who come to Stern Law with hernia mesh complaints report being in constant pain. The pain is often localized to the site of the mesh implant, but can also radiate to their limbs and interfere with their quality of life.
• Infection – Postoperative infection is one of the most common Sepramesh™ complications we see. Up to 8 percent of patients who have hernia repair surgery using mesh reported developing infections. The infection can be simple, requiring a round of antibiotics, or severe, necessitating further surgery.
• Adhesions – Adhesions are intense buildups of scar tissue that result in tissue sticking to internal organs. Sepramesh™ implants tend to cause rapid scar tissue formation, which often leads to painful adhesions.
• Mesh tearing – Patients have reported their Sepramesh™ implants tearing after implantation, potentially leading to recurrence of the hernia or other injury. Mesh tearing usually requires a repeat hernia repair surgery.
• Mesh erosion and perforation – Sepramesh™ has been reported to erode into or perforate surrounding tissue and organs, causing serious complications. In most cases, mesh erosion and perforation require additional surgery.
• Mesh folding – Sepramesh™ can fold into itself, resulting in mesh failure and recurrence of the hernia, as well as increased risk for scar tissue formation and damage to surrounding tissue and organs. Mesh folding typically requires a repeat hernia repair surgery.
• Mesh migration – In some cases, the Sepramesh™ implant will move positions inside the body, or “migrate” to where it is not containing the hernia and has the potential to damage tissue and organs. Mesh migration usually requires a surgery to remove the existing mesh and repair the hernia again.
• Mesh shrinkage – The polypropylene that comprises Sepramesh™ has been known to contract or shrink into itself in the months following implantation. When this occurs, the mesh can become detached from the tissue holding it in place, leaving the patient vulnerable to migration and other injuries.

Injuries from hernia mesh implants like Sepramesh™ can completely upend people’s lives. When dealing with the physical and financial ramifications, it can be difficult to know where to turn. An experienced product liability attorney can help ease the stress by helping you understand your rights and by working toward the compensation you deserve. With more than 30 years of product litigation experience, the attorneys at Stern Law can achieve the results you and your family need.

Contact Stern Law, PLLC

The skilled legal team at Stern Law can begin helping you today, starting with a confidential consultation at no cost to you. Contact our offices today by calling (844) 808-7529, and schedule your free consultation with one of our dedicated product liability attorneys.