Ohio: Alloderm hernia bulging, ventral hernia repair lawsuits

Ohio hernia patients, take note: The aim of a study was to compare the efficacy and the complications associated with the use of two bioactive meshes- Surgisis Gold 8-ply mesh, a product obtained by the processing of porcine small intestine sub-mucosa; and Alloderm, processed cadaveric human acellular dermis both products are used for ventral hernia repair.

Ventral hernia repair in potentially contaminated or potentially infected fields limit the use of synthetic mesh products. In this scenario, biosynthetic mesh products that are absorbed and/or replaced with the body's own tissue reduce the incidence of post-operative chronic wound complications.

Between June 2002 and March 2005, 74 patients underwent ventral hernia repair using biosynthetic or natural tissue mesh.

The first 41 procedures were performed using Surgisis Gold 8-ply mesh formed from porcine small intestine sub-mucosa, and the remaining 33 patients had ventral hernia repair with Alloderm. The patients had their first follow-up 7-10 days after discharge from the hospital. They were again seen at 6 weeks, or, if needed, earlier, and, thereafter, as needed. Patients who reported any complications to the office were followed up immediately. Any signs of wound infection, diastasis (abnormal separation), hernia recurrence, changes in bowel habits, and seroma formation were evaluated.

The non-perforated Surgisis mesh resulted in significant seroma formation in 10/11 patients. The seroma complication was reduced, but not eliminated, with the use of the perforated Surgisis mesh (3/30 patients). Explanted material revealed separated layers of un-incorporated middle layers of the 8-ply Surgisis mesh. Three of the patients had the mesh placed in a contaminated field with no resultant sequela, and there were no hernia recurrences. Patients also had a significant degree of discomfort and pain during the immediate post-operative period.

The use of the Alloderm mesh resulted in eight hernia recurrences. Fifteen of the Alloderm patients (15/33) developed an abnormal separation or bulging at the repair site. Seroma formation was only a problem in two patients.

Post-operative separation and hernia recurrence was a major problem with the Alloderm mesh.

Are you or a loved one the victim of ventral hernia repair problems with Alloderm mesh?

If yes, please contact the Ohio personal injury lawyers to determine what your legal options are.