Defective Hernia Repair Mesh Patch Recalled

The Composix® Kugel Mesh Patch is used to repair inguinal, ventral and laparoscopic hernias. The purpose of the patch is to keep the intestines in the abdominal cavity. The patch is typically placed behind the hernia defect by means of an incision. The patch is then held open by a memory recoil ring.
The Composix® Kugel Mesh Patch was recently recalled by its manufacturer, Davol, Inc., a subsidiary of C.R. Bard, Inc., after it was discovered that the memory recoil ring can break under stress and perforate internal organs. Patients who have had a hernia repair using the patch have been urged by the FDA to contact their hernia surgeons to determine if the recalled Composix® Kugel Mesh Patch was used in their hernia repair.
The defect involving the Composix® Kugel Mesh Patch can lead to serious, life threatening injuries including, bowel perforation, bowel obstruction, chronic intestinal fistulae, serious infection, or death.
Symptoms of a ring defect include unexplained or persistent abdominal pain, fever, tenderness at the site of implant or other persistent and unusual symptoms.