This case involves a middle-aged female in Virginia who underwent a surgical procedure to repair a recurrent hernia with a Composix synthetic mesh patch. The surgery proceeded without incident, however several weeks later the patient presented to the ER with severe cramping and vomiting. A few weeks after this incident, the patient presented to the hospital with her hernia now increased in size. The hernia was again repaired using a synthetic hernia mesh product. The patient’s condition continued to deteriorate over the coming weeks, and she eventually began to show signs of early-stage sepsis. After undergoing exploratory surgery, the patient was diagnosed with a small bowel obstruction that required additional surgery to remediate. As a result, the patient was left with permanent injuries.
Question(s) For Expert Witness
1. Do you routinely treat patients similar to the one described in the case?
2. Have you ever had a patient develop the outcome described in the case?
Expert Witness Response E-008557
I routinely take care of complicated ventral hernia patients such as the one described in this case, however I have not has a patient develop the complications that this patient did. In order to say definitively whether the patient might have had a better outcome had the care rendered been different I would need to review the medical records, but I do have a lot questions about techniques and types of mesh used by the treating surgeon. There are a number of possible complications that can arise from any hernia mesh repair. I have served as expert witness in paraesophageal hernia, bariatric, and general surgery (gallbladder) cases. I feel that as assistant professor of surgery from a tertiary referral center I have the opportunity to see lots of complicated hernia cases, and I have up to date on the standards of care for ventral hernia.
About the author
Joseph O'Neill
Joe has extensive experience in online journalism and technical writing across a range of legal topics, including personal injury, meidcal malpractice, mass torts, consumer litigation, commercial litigation, and more. Joe spent close to six years working at Expert Institute, finishing up his role here as Director of Marketing. He has considerable knowledge across an array of legal topics pertaining to expert witnesses. Currently, Joe servces as Owner and Demand Generation Consultant at LightSail Consulting.
