Update for 10/01/2014
10 January 2014Paul, 50, had a hernia repaired in his abdomen in 2009. Surgical mesh supported the weak tissue but complications began in hospital. Fluid built up around the wound and a second lump appeared, which he suspected was the mesh bunching. Paul said he was not well informed about the use of mesh. He complained to the Health and Disability Commissioner. In May, Johnson & Johnson - one of the providers of surgical mesh - withdrew five products from its Gynecare range in New Zealand, amidst legal action involving products overseas. Bloomberg News reported Johnson & Johnson faced 600 claims from US patients. Johnson & Johnson spokeswoman Donne Newbury said the removal of the products was not related to safety issues. ""Our decision to discontinue these kits was based on their commercial viability in changing market dynamics and were not related to safety or efficacy."" Medsafe compliance management manager Derek Fitzgerald said investigations into reported complications found the product was not harmful when implanted correctly. He said the investigation used material from Australian and New Zealand specialists.