Hiatal HerniaHiatal hernias occur when the stomach bulges up through an opening into the chest. They often cause chronic acid-reflux. Mesh patches or plugs are often stitched over the opening to repair large hiatal hernias.

Do I have a Hernia Mesh Patch Lawsuit? If you or a loved one was diagnosed with surgery complications, contact our law firm immediately for a free case consultation. If you file a lawsuit, you could receive compensation for your injury, medical expenses, and more.

What is a Hiatal Hernia?

Hernia Mesh Patch LawsuitHiatal hernias occur when the upper part of the stomach pushes upward through a hole in the diaphragm into the chest. The diaphragm is a thin sheet of muscle above the stomach and below the lungs. It moves up and down when you breathe. There is a hole in the diaphragm called the hiatus for the esophagus, which connects the mouth to the stomach.

Types of Hiatal Hernias

There are two types of hiatal hernias. The most common and least problematic is the “sliding” type, in which the stomach and esophagus moves in and out of the chest. In the “fixed” type of hiatal hernia, part of the stomach is stuck above the diaphragm.

Warning Signs & Symptoms

Hiatal hernias can cause acid-reflux disease or heartburn, which is when stomach acid overflows into the esophagus and causes painful burning. However, most hiatal hernias do not cause any symptoms. The symptoms may include:

  • Burning in the throat
  • Chest pain
  • Problems swallowing
  • Regurgitation of food
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Belching
  • Feeling abnormally full after meals

Risk-Factors

Hiatal hernias occur in about 40% of people who are morbidly obese. However, anything that puts pressure on the muscles around the stomach can cause a hiatal hernia. There are many risk-factors, including:

  • Born with a large hiatus
  • Being over 50 years old
  • Bad posture
  • Lifting heavy weights
  • Persistent coughing or sneezing
  • Vomiting repeatedly
  • Straining during bowel movements or urination
  • Obesity or being overweight

Complications

Complications are rare, but they can be serious. A “strangulated” hernia occurs when the part of the stomach poking up through the diaphragm is pinched so tightly that it loses its blood supply. It is a medical emergency that requires surgery immediately. The longer treatment is delayed, the higher the risk of irreversible necrosis (tissue death).

Diagnosis & Tests

Up to 60% of people have a hiatal hernia by age 60, but most are never diagnosed. There are several tests when a doctor suspects a hiatal hernia. The patient may need to drink a liquid with barium in it before an X-ray to create a picture of the upper digestive tract. An endoscope inserted down the throat can also help diagnosis.

Treatment & Hernia Mesh

Surgery is the only way to fix a hernia. When the patient is anesthetized, surgeons push the stomach below the diaphragm and use stitches to tighten the hole. In some cases, mesh patches or hernia plugs are also stitched into the area to make it more secure. The patient may need to use a feeding tube to keep the stomach immobilized during healing.

Do I have a Hernia Mesh Patch Lawsuit?

The Defective Medical Device Litigation Group at our law firm is an experienced team of trial lawyers that focus on the representation of plaintiffs. We are handling individual litigation nationwide and currently accepting new cases in all 50 states.

Free Hernia Mesh Patch Lawsuit Evaluation: Again, if you or a loved one was diagnosed with a serious side effect, you should contact our law firm immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a lawsuit, and our lawyers can help.


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