A potential defect among the Bard Composix Kugel Mesh Patches has sparked a recall of the product. Because of the recall, the medical community is advising all patients who have undergone a surgical procedure within the last two to three years to be aware of the serious complications that exist for the defective product.

The patches, which are used in the repair of ventral (incisional) hernias, were first recalled by the federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2005. However, the FDA has issued a new hernia mesh recall for additional sizes of the Composix patches. The culprit? Defective "memory recall rings" that lead to punctured organs, bowel rupture, or dangerous intestinal fistulae.

How Composix Mesh Patches Can Damage Your Intestines

Composix Kugel patches are inserted behind the area of a ventral hernia. They are folded and placed through a small incision, at which point the "memory recall ring" engages, causing the patch to snap open to its full size and begin reinforcing the weakened hernia area. The hernia patch may fail due to the memory recall rings in bigger mesh patches that do not engage properly. This failure can cause complications in the interabdominal cavity, some of which include bowel issues or even intestinal fistulae.

Intestinal Fistulae Explained

Intestinal fistulae are common in patients with gastrointestinal ailments such as irritable bowel syndrome and Crohn's disease.

They occur when bowel inflammation "tunnels" down through intestinal tissue, forming tubes that connect the bowel with the skin or other organs. This invasive form of intestinal inflammation can cause intense pain, irregular bowel drainage, or even cause the a bypass of certain intestinal segments. Painful surgical procedures that repair the intestines may occur if infections or abscesses develop, which also put the patient's life at risk.

Some intestinal fistulae respond to antibiotic treatment, but this treatment regimen usually does not cause the fistulae to close all the way and may lead to reopening. Surgical intervention may be necessary, since intestinal fistulae can affect a patient's ability to control his or her own bowel movements.

Are You Affected by the Mesh Patch Recall?

Individuals who know they have a Bard Composix Kugel Mesh Patch are encouraged to seek medical assistance immediately, as the risk for severe consequences only continues to increase. Individuals who have suffered because of the recall and defective patch are advised to contact a medical device lawyer who can offer legal counsel on the development of a lawsuit and thus potentially receive monetary compensation for their injuries.

Because of the injuries sustained from a mesh patch recall can be considered avoidable and the fault of manufacturers, the potential for being awarded damages may exist. Damages that may be awarded may assist a victim in paying medical bills associated with the mesh-induced injuries.