DH had 2 hernia operations in 2005 and had kevlar patches put in both times. Since then he has been having problems with pain in his lower right hand side and a few unexplained fevers (which could or could not be related). We found out today from a friend that there was actually a recall on some lots of kevlar mesh starting in Dec of 2005 (after DH's surgeries), the last one being Jan 2007.
Here is a link to all the info we got from Google:
http://search.yahoo.com/search;_ylt=...mesh&fr2=sc-sb.
Here is the actual FDA recall notice with lot numbers:
http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/recalls/recall-122205.html
There is apparently a lawsuit pending against the manufacturer because the patients that received the patches are NOT BEING NOTIFIED of the recall! The problem is with the memory ring they use to implant the patch during surgery is breaking, causing minor to major problems from pain to bowel perferation to death.
If anyone has had surgery for a hernia I strongly recommend calling the hospital and getting your surgery records. The lot number of the mesh should be on the surgical records. The manufacturer says they notified the hospitals, but according to one FDA report (I need to find it again, sorry don't have the link) they were very negligent in who they did and didn't notify. Just to be on the safe side, check.
Here is a link to all the info we got from Google:
http://search.yahoo.com/search;_ylt=...mesh&fr2=sc-sb.
Here is the actual FDA recall notice with lot numbers:
http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/recalls/recall-122205.html
There is apparently a lawsuit pending against the manufacturer because the patients that received the patches are NOT BEING NOTIFIED of the recall! The problem is with the memory ring they use to implant the patch during surgery is breaking, causing minor to major problems from pain to bowel perferation to death.
If anyone has had surgery for a hernia I strongly recommend calling the hospital and getting your surgery records. The lot number of the mesh should be on the surgical records. The manufacturer says they notified the hospitals, but according to one FDA report (I need to find it again, sorry don't have the link) they were very negligent in who they did and didn't notify. Just to be on the safe side, check.