On October 13, 2017, Florida woman LaToya Dawson-Webb had hernia repair using a Ventralex mesh patch. Less than two years later, she filed a lawsuit against the allegedly faulty device’s manufacturer, C.R. Bard.
Surgical mesh implants can cause serious injuries and health complications in some patients — but most are related to transvaginal mesh. (Ethicon, which recalled its own Physiomesh device in May 2016, faced 53,400 pelvic mesh injury lawsuits last year.) However, Dawson-Webb’s injuries are eerily similar to those in recent Physiomesh and TVM lawsuits: pain, scarring, infection, and bowel perforation. Now, the Florida woman says she’ll need plastic surgery to fix the abdominal damage from her defective Ventralex patch.
Related: Get Answers to Your Own Claim Questions
New Hernia Forms Just Three Days After Surgical Repair With Ventralex Patch
Just three days after completing hernia repair surgery with her Ventralex mesh patch, Dawson-Webb complained of nausea, vomiting and constipation. The Florida Medical Center staff examined Dawson-Webb’s abdomen and discovered a large ventral hernia containing multiple loops of her bowel. She was then told that the Ventralex hernia mesh patch did not “take” due to faulty materials within the device.
Dawson-Webb consulted with other surgeons, but all confirmed that she needed the following procedures completed immediately:
- A second surgery to repair her newly formed hernia and address existing complications, including bowel adhesions; and
- Plastic surgery to correct the damage to her abdomen.
The extent of Dawson-Webb’s injuries are still largely unknown, but she undoubtedly has a long, painful road ahead to recover. Since she needs revision surgery to remove the faulty Ventralex patch, Dawson-Webb risks additional complications going forward. As a result, Dawson-Webb seeks compensation for past and future medical care as well as punitive damages and attorney fees.
Hernia Mesh Patch Market Keeps Growing, Despite Recalls and Lawsuits
Although thousands of lawsuits are now underway against faulty hernia mesh patch manufacturers, the device’s popularity is on the rise. More than one million hernia repair procedures take place in the United States every year, most using a mesh patch.
A new Grand View Research, Inc. report predicts the global hernia mesh patch market will reach $199.6 million by 2025. This is due to the high incidence of ventral hernias and high adoption rates for using meshes during surgical repairs. In fact, the U.S. currently has the largest hernia mesh patch market share across the globe.
Despite its popularity, hernia mesh – much like TVM – can be dangerous. While some devices (like Physiomesh) undergo voluntary recalls, others, including C.R. Bard’s Ventralex, are still used today. Individuals with life-threatening and painful hernia mesh injuries are now seeking the justice and compensation they deserve in court.
What Defective Hernia Mesh Patch Victims Can Do
If you or a loved one suffered painful hernia mesh complications, you may qualify for a cash settlement. To see within minutes if you may qualify for compensation, complete your free hernia claim review today. Once you’ve submitted your information, an experienced advocate in our network will call to discuss your case and arrange an in-person consultation.
Related: Striking Similarities in Transvaginal and Hernia Mesh Complications
Mandy Voisin
Mandy Voisin is a freelance writer, blogger, and author of Girls of the Ocean and Star of Deliverance. As an accomplished content marketing consultant, mom of four and doctor's wife, Mandy has written hundreds of articles about dangerous drugs and medical devices, medical issues that impact disabled Americans, veterans' healthcare and workers' compensation issues since 2016.