Surgeons in the U.S. use hernia mesh in 1 million surgeries every year to provide support to damaged tissue. Surgeons place the mesh across the area surrounding the hernia, attaching it with stitches, staples or glue. Pores in the mesh allow tissue to grow into the device.

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, using hernia mesh may improve a patient’s outcome because the surgery and recovery may take less time compared to other treatment options. However, the agency blames recalled meshes for many reports of hernia mesh complications

Have you suffered health problems after undergoing surgery for an abdominal hernia ? Have you undergone a second surgery to correct a recurring hernia?

Hernia mesh complications include adhesion, bowel obstruction or perforation, infection, rejection and migration. Patients implanted with hernia mesh have reported symptoms of mesh failure, including chronic pain and hernia recurrence. The FDA considers the mesh used for hernia repair safe, but in rare cases, complications may occur.

Nearly one-third of people who undergo hernia surgeries experience some sort of complication, with excessive pain being the most frequent complaint, according to one study.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration tracks reported hernia mesh complications. The FDA said that recalled mesh was “the main cause” of bowel perforation and obstruction seen in those patients. Bowel perforation and obstruction are some of the worst complications of hernia mesh.