Hernia Patch Maker Settles Lawsuits

The manufacturer of the Kugel mesh hernia patches has settled 2,600 of the lawsuits filed because of injury from the patch.  Lawyers USA Online reports that the cases settled for $184 million.  These lawsuits alleged that the patches contained a plastic ring that  could break after being implanted inside patients.  Pieces of the mesh could then perforate internal organs and , in some cases, result in death.  There were recalls of the product in 2005, 2006 and 2007.  This settlement covers most of the cases filed in the MDL in Rhode Island, where they had been consolidated.  There are approximately 1000 cases left pending.  The bad news is that there are still about 100,000 of these devices still inside people's bodies.  They were put on the market in 2001.  As a result, this litigation will likely continue for some time.  If you have a Kugel mesh hernia patch that was implanted, made by C. R. Bard, please be aware of these potential problems and keep your doctor notified of any symptoms you may have.