Ethicon Physiomesh Multi-Layer Design Led To Hernia Complications, Lawsuit Alleges

A product liability lawsuit filed by an Alabama man alleges that the unique, multi-layer design used with the Ethicon Physiomesh patch caused him to experience severe complications following hernia repair, resulting in the need for additional invasive medical procedures due to adverse reactions caused by the mesh. 

In a complaint (PDF) filed this week in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama against Johnson & Johnson & it’s Ethicon subsidiary, Bill Tedford indicates that the Physiomesh multi-layer design was unreasonably dangerous and defective, causing permanent injury and damages.

Unlike many other hernia repair products, Ethicon Physiomesh involves five distinct layers, which the manufacturer claimed were designed to improve performance. However, Tedford indicates that the multi-layer Physiomesh coating prevents fluid escape, which can lead to seroma formation, infections and other complications.

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Last year, following a higher-than-expected number of adverse event reports involving hernia complications, an Ethicon Physiomesh recall was issued by the manufacturer. While the action was classified as a market withdrawal, the manufacturer removed all products from the market and indicates that it will no longer be sold, since they were unable to identify a solution for the problems.

Tedford indicates that an Ethicon Physiomesh Composite mesh was implanted in his body during a hernia repair in December 2013. However, due to complications and reactions to the hernia mesh, Tedford indicates that he later had to undergo additional invasive medical treatments.

“The multi-layer coating was represented and promoted by the Defendants to prevent or minimize adhesion and inflammation and to facilitate incorporation of the mesh into the body, but it did not. Instead, the multi-layer coating prevented adequate incorporation of the mesh into the body and caused or contributed to an intense inflammatory and chronic foreign body response resulting in an adverse tissue reaction including migration and damage to surrounding tissue in the form of sclerotic, granulomatous and/or fibrotic tissue, and improper healing,” Tedford states in the complaint. “These manufacturing and design defects associated with the Physiomesh were directly and proximately related to the injuries suffered by Plaintiff.”

According to the lawsuit, Tedford had a severe adverse reaction to the Physiomesh, causing serious injury and the need for additional invasive medical treatments that left him with permanent scarring and injuries.

The case joins a growing number of Ethicon Physiomesh lawsuits filed by individuals nationwide who have experienced complications following laparoscopic hernia repair in recent years.

Given the similar questions of fact and law presented in cases  pending throughout the federal court system, the U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) decided last month to establish coordinated pretrial proceedings, centralizing all cases before U.S. District Judge Richard Story in the Northern District of Georgia to reduce duplicative discovery, avoid contradictory pretrial rulings and to serve the convenience of the parties, witnesses and the courts.

Tedford’s case will be transferred to the federal multidistrict litigation (MDL), which currently includes nearly 100 other claims. However, as hernia mesh lawyers continue to review and file additional cases in the coming weeks and months, it is expected that several thousand complaints will ultimately be included in the litigation.

3 Comments

  • BobbieAugust 23, 2017 at 2:27 pm

    How can I find out what kind of mesh that was used in my esophogeal. Replacement? I only have one third of a real esophagus. Am experiencing reflux, pain and chocking feeling with chest fullness.

  • AlbertAugust 22, 2017 at 2:51 pm

    I had hernia repair surgery in January 2009. I complained to my PCP and surgeon for 19 months about the pain I was experiencing until in August of 2010 the mesh worked its way through the scar causing bleeding and a trip to the ER.Follow up appointment with a new surgeon revealed an infection at the site and required hospitalization for treatment.Then in September of 2010 I had surgery to repair t[Show More]I had hernia repair surgery in January 2009. I complained to my PCP and surgeon for 19 months about the pain I was experiencing until in August of 2010 the mesh worked its way through the scar causing bleeding and a trip to the ER.Follow up appointment with a new surgeon revealed an infection at the site and required hospitalization for treatment.Then in September of 2010 I had surgery to repair the repair. After the recovery period the pain was worse than before. Then in January of 2011 I had a series of pain block injections to pinpoint the trigger point of the pain. Once that was determined I had my 3rd surgery in February of 2011. Matters only got worse and have led to years of seeing doctors and trying a wide variety of treatments and medications which have left me unable to work for the last 6 1/2 years

  • JudyAugust 21, 2017 at 10:31 pm

    I have had hernia surgery several times and have to have it again soon. I had it in 2003 2005 2015..I have been told that since my surgery was in 2005 I didn't qualify any help even though I had to have surgery again in 2015. I have already talked to the Dr. and have a test this week to set up my next surgery. I would love to have my case looked at by someone who will help me. I had the mesh put i[Show More]I have had hernia surgery several times and have to have it again soon. I had it in 2003 2005 2015..I have been told that since my surgery was in 2005 I didn't qualify any help even though I had to have surgery again in 2015. I have already talked to the Dr. and have a test this week to set up my next surgery. I would love to have my case looked at by someone who will help me. I had the mesh put in and this time when I have surgery he wants to remove what is in me.

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