The oval ring shown in the picture at left is the “memory recoil ring” that is supposed to help the patch return to its original shape after being folded in half.
The ring is made of a type of plastic and is “welded” at the factory. The problem with these patches is that the weld is prone to break. If the weld does break, there are many serious side effects that can occur. For example:
Intestinal Fistulas. An intestinal fistula is an abnormal connection that forms between two parts of the intestine that are not supposed to connect. This can lead to a buildup of bowel contents in areas where bowl contents are not supposed to be. That, in turn, can lead to serious or fatal infections that require surgery to correct.
Bowel Perforation. A bowel perforation is the medical term for a hole in your bowels. A perforated bowel allows the contents of your bowels to move into your abdominal cavity. Signs of a perforated bowel include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and fever. A perforated bowel can also lead to sepsis and other fatal infections.
Bowel Obstruction. A bowel obstruction occurs when something is blocking the path of material through the intestines. Early signs of a bowel obstruction include, bloating, severe abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, and vomiting. A bowel obstruction can also lead to bowel perforation and other sometimes-fatal side-effects.
Don’t rely on this site – seek medical attention if you suspect you have a defective Kugel patch. Nothing here is medical advice. It’s merely a list of symptoms and problems associated with defective Kugel patch. If you have unexplained abdominal pains, or tenderness near the site of your implant, you should talk to your doctor. Please don’t assume that you’re “OK” because your symptoms are different than those listed here. Only your doctor can advise you on the right medical treatment for you.
That said, please use the contact form below if you think you have a defective Kugel patch. I’ll put you in touch with a lawyer who will work to make the manufacturer pay for any medical treatment you may need. There’s no reason that you or your insurance company should have to pay to fix the problems caused by these defective patches.