Surgical hernia mesh, used as a reinforcement in hernia repair, is associated with adverse events, including pain, infection, hernia recurrence, adhesion, and bowel obstruction. Additional complications include mesh migration and shrinkage, perforation, and the need for revision surgery. Thousands of lawsuits are pending against mesh manufacturers, including Bard/Davol, Ethicon/Johnson & Johnson, Atrium, and Covidien.