Ethicon recalled lots of its Proceed Surgical Mesh three times, in 2006, 2010 and 2014, because the mesh could separate into its layers. Lawsuits over Proceed mesh were coordinated in New Jersey state court beginning in 2019, and Ethicon has since settled many of its hernia mesh cases. This page covers the history of Proceed mesh, its recalls and the litigation that followed.
What Is Proceed Mesh?
Proceed is a line of hernia mesh made by Ethicon, Inc., a Johnson & Johnson company. It is a laminate mesh: a layer of polypropylene mesh (Prolene Soft Mesh) bonded to a layer of absorbable oxidized regenerated cellulose (ORC) fabric with a polydioxanone polymer. The ORC layer was meant to face the bowel and keep organs from sticking to the polypropylene while the body healed.
Ethicon sold two versions: Proceed Surgical Mesh, a flat sheet, and the Proceed Ventral Patch, a round, self-expanding patch.
Proceed Surgical Mesh Recalls
- January 2006: Ethicon recalled 18,270 units of Proceed Surgical Mesh in a Class II recall because some lots could delaminate, with the layers separating from the polypropylene mesh during certain hernia repairs. The recall notice said exposed polypropylene could raise the risk of adhesions and bowel fistulas.
- October 2010: Ethicon recalled one lot (87 units) of Proceed Surgical Mesh for potential delamination.
- February 2014: Ethicon recalled 223 units after an incomplete packaging seal compromised sterility, a defect that could also lead to delamination.
Reported Complications
People who received Proceed mesh reported complications including:
- Delamination, with the protective layer separating from the polypropylene
- Adhesions to the bowel and other organs
- Bowel obstruction and fistulas
- Infection
- Hernia recurrence
- Revision surgery to remove the mesh
For more on these injuries, see our page on hernia mesh complications.
The Proceed Lawsuits
The lawsuits alleged that Proceed mesh was defectively designed, that its layers could separate and leave polypropylene in contact with the bowel, and that Ethicon failed to adequately warn surgeons and patients. Unlike Ethicon’s Physiomesh, Proceed claims were never consolidated in a federal MDL. In March 2019, the New Jersey Supreme Court designated Proceed Surgical Mesh and Proceed Ventral Patch cases as multicounty litigation and assigned them to Atlantic County for centralized management.
Ethicon has settled many of its hernia mesh cases, including thousands of Physiomesh claims, on confidential terms.
Hernia Mesh Lawsuits Today
Since the Ethicon Physiomesh and Atrium C-Qur settlements, hernia mesh litigation has centered on two other manufacturers. Claims over Covidien Parietex, ProGrip and Symbotex mesh are still being filed, and the first Covidien bellwether trial ended in an $88 million verdict in August 2026. Bard settled most of its hernia mesh lawsuits in 2024, but its MDL remains open, and people with severe injuries from Bard mesh such as the Ventralex can still seek compensation there. For more history, see our page on hernia mesh recalls.
Common Questions
Was Proceed mesh recalled?
Yes. Ethicon recalled lots of Proceed Surgical Mesh in 2006, 2010 and 2014. The 2006 and 2010 recalls were for delamination, and the 2014 recall was for a packaging defect that compromised sterility.
What is delamination?
Proceed mesh is made of layers bonded together. Delamination means those layers separate, which can leave the polypropylene mesh exposed to the bowel and other organs, raising the risk of adhesions and fistulas.
Who makes Proceed mesh?
Proceed mesh is made by Ethicon, Inc., a Johnson & Johnson company. Ethicon also made Physiomesh, which was withdrawn from the market in 2016.
Where were the Proceed lawsuits filed?
There was no federal MDL for Proceed mesh. In 2019, the New Jersey Supreme Court centralized Proceed cases filed in New Jersey state court in Atlantic County.
Is Proceed the same as Physiomesh?
No. Both are Ethicon composite meshes, but they are different products. Proceed uses an oxidized regenerated cellulose layer, while Physiomesh used an absorbable coating on both sides of the polypropylene.