Covidien ProGrip mesh is a self-gripping hernia mesh used most often to repair inguinal (groin) hernias. Instead of stitches or tacks, it holds itself in place with thousands of tiny hooks called microgrips. People who received ProGrip mesh have filed claims alleging that it caused chronic groin pain, nerve damage, testicular injuries and difficult removal surgeries. If you had a ProGrip mesh and developed complications, you may have a claim for compensation.
What Is Covidien ProGrip Mesh?
ProGrip is made by Covidien, now part of Medtronic. The ProGrip line includes:
- Parietex ProGrip Self-Fixating Mesh: a polyester mesh used in open inguinal hernia repair
- ProGrip Laparoscopic Self-Fixating Mesh: a polyester mesh used in laparoscopic inguinal repair
- Parietene ProGrip Self-Gripping Mesh: a polypropylene version
Each version has microgrips made of polylactic acid, a material designed to be absorbed by the body over time. The microgrips let the surgeon press the mesh into place without separate fixation.
ProGrip Mesh Complications
People with ProGrip mesh have reported complications including:
- Chronic groin pain that does not improve after surgery
- Nerve damage or nerve entrapment, causing burning, numbness or shooting pain
- Testicular pain, swelling or loss of a testicle
- Inflammation and heavy scarring around the mesh
- Hernia recurrence
- Infection
- Revision surgery to remove the mesh, which can be difficult because the microgrips embed in surrounding tissue
Many of these complications develop months or years after the original repair. If you have ongoing groin pain after an inguinal hernia repair, your operative report will show whether a ProGrip mesh was used.
What the ProGrip Lawsuits Allege
The lawsuits allege that the polylactic acid microgrips cause inflammation and chronic pain, and that because the microgrips grip tissue so firmly, the mesh is very difficult to remove completely once problems develop. They also allege that the polyester used in most ProGrip meshes triggers a chronic inflammatory response and can shrink, harden and break down in the body, and that Covidien failed to warn surgeons and patients about these risks.
Where the ProGrip Lawsuits Stand
ProGrip claims are part of the federal Covidien hernia mesh multidistrict litigation, MDL No. 3029, before Judge Patti B. Saris in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts, and of the coordinated Covidien litigation in Massachusetts state court. Covidien has said about 745 cases in the federal MDL involve ProGrip products.
The first bellwether trial over ProGrip mesh, Passmore v. Covidien, is scheduled to begin on March 29, 2027. The plaintiff in that case lost a testicle during surgery to remove the mesh. It will follow the August 2026 $88 million verdict in the first Covidien bellwether trial and a second trial set for January 2027. Covidien has not announced a settlement of the hernia mesh lawsuits. For the latest, see our Covidien hernia mesh lawsuit update.
Who May Have a ProGrip Claim
You may have a claim if:
- Your hernia repair used a Covidien ProGrip mesh, which your operative report will show
- You developed complications such as chronic groin pain, nerve damage, testicular injury, infection or a recurrent hernia
- You had revision surgery to repair or remove the mesh, or a doctor has recommended one or said it is too risky to perform
Every state sets a deadline, called the statute of limitations, for filing a claim, and it often runs from when you knew or should have known your injury was related to the mesh. Doyle APC currently represents clients nationwide in the Covidien hernia mesh lawsuits, and you pay nothing unless we win. We are also still reviewing select Bard claims with severe injuries; see our latest Bard update. Compensation can cover medical expenses, past and future, along with pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life and a spouse’s loss of consortium.
Other Covidien mesh claims involve the Parietex and Symbotex lines. You can also read more about hernia mesh complications.
Common Questions
What is ProGrip mesh?
ProGrip is a Covidien hernia mesh that holds itself in place with tiny absorbable hooks called microgrips instead of stitches or tacks. It is used mainly in inguinal (groin) hernia repairs.
Is ProGrip mesh part of the Covidien hernia mesh lawsuits?
Yes. ProGrip claims are part of the federal Covidien MDL and the Massachusetts state court litigation. Covidien has said about 745 federal cases involve ProGrip products.
When is the ProGrip bellwether trial?
The first ProGrip bellwether trial, Passmore v. Covidien, is scheduled to begin on March 29, 2027. Trial dates can change.
Can ProGrip mesh cause testicular pain?
Testicular pain, swelling and loss of a testicle are among the complications reported in ProGrip claims. The plaintiff in the first ProGrip bellwether trial lost a testicle during mesh removal surgery.
Why is ProGrip mesh hard to remove?
The lawsuits allege that the microgrips embed firmly in surrounding tissue, which can make complete removal difficult and increase the risk of nerve and testicular injury during revision surgery.
Do I qualify if I have not had revision surgery?
Most claims involve revision surgery or a doctor’s recommendation for one. If a doctor has said removal is too risky, that can also support a claim. We can review your medical records to see whether you qualify.