Hernia mesh patches and plugs are sometimes used to repair femoral hernias in the groin. Unfortunately, mesh is associated with very serious long-term complications.
Do I have a Hernia Mesh Patch Lawsuit? If you or a loved one was diagnosed with surgery complications, contact our law firm immediately for a free case consultation. If you file a lawsuit, you could receive compensation for your injury, medical expenses, and more.
What is a Femoral Hernia?
Femoral hernias are located on the upper-inner thigh below the groin. They occur when pressure inside the body pushes the intestines or fatty tissue through a hole in the thin layer of muscle that holds organs inside the body. Only about 3% of all hernias are femoral hernias.
Early Warning Signs
Not all femoral hernias cause symptoms. When they do, the most obvious sign is a lump or bulge in the groin. It may change in size during the day depending on internal pressure and bowel movements through the intestines. When serious symptoms suddenly appear, they may be due to complications like strangulated intestines.
Symptoms of a Femoral Hernia
- Lump or bulge near the groin
- Abdominal pain
- Hip pain
- Nausea, vomiting
- Generally feeling unwell
- Burning or hot sensation around hernia
- Inability to pass gas or stool
- Bloody stools
- Fever
What is the problem?
Femoral hernias have a high risk of complications because the intestines squeeze through a very small hole. Emergency surgery will be necessary if the intestines become damaged or blocked. The risk of strangulation is greatest in the first 3 months. The cumulative risk of strangulation is 22% in the first three months. Nearly 50% of femoral hernias will become strangulated if they are not treated within two years.
Complications of Femoral Hernias
The most serious complication is a strangulated hernia. It occurs when the loop of intestines inside the hernia is squeezed so tightly that its blood supply is cut off. Necrosis (tissue death) and gangrene can occur within 8-12 hours. The damaged piece of intestine must be removed surgically due to the high risk of infection and sepsis. It can also cause a life-threatening intestinal obstruction or bowel perforation.
Risk-Factors
Nearly all femoral hernias occur in women who have had multiple pregnancies, but anything that increases abdominal pressure can cause a hernia. There are many risk-factors:
- Excessive straining
- Childbirth
- Chronic constipation
- Lifting heavy weights
- Obesity
- Frequent coughing or sneezing
- Straining to urinate due to enlarged prostate
Diagnosis & Tests
In most cases, doctors can diagnose a femoral hernia during a physical exam. However, diagnosis is more challenging in people who are very overweight. If there is any doubt, an ultrasound or CT scan can help the doctor make a conclusive diagnosis.
Treatment for Femoral Hernias
Femoral hernias sometimes must be treated with emergency surgery due to intestinal complications, but most are not life-threatening. The surgery to repair a femoral hernia is very safe and usually has a good outcome. Only 1-5% of femoral hernias return and need another surgery.
Do I have a Hernia Mesh Patch Lawsuit?
The Defective Medical Device Litigation Group at our law firm is an experienced team of trial lawyers that focus on the representation of plaintiffs. We are handling individual litigation nationwide and currently accepting new cases in all 50 states.
Free Hernia Mesh Patch Lawsuit Evaluation: Again, if you or a loved one was diagnosed with a serious side effect, you should contact our law firm immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a lawsuit, and our lawyers can help.
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