The number of potential victims could reach 200,000 in France. Some patients, like the actor Arnaud Denis, have initiated euthanasia procedures in the face of treatment failure and the complex removal of the prosthesis. Among these implants, products offered by Medtronic or Johnson & Johnson.
The anti-hernia prosthesis scandal in France concerns implants used to repair hernias in the abdomen (abdominal hernia, hernia) or the groin (inguinal hernia). These prostheses, often made from synthetic materials (polypropylene or polyester), are incriminated because they cause serious complications in certain patients, such as chronic pain, infections or even the inability to walk. Many victims found themselves having to undergo further surgeries to repair the damage caused. As they fight for relief, lawyer prepares class-action lawsuit against manufacturers for first quarter 2026. A health scandal which could affect up to 200,000 people in France, with serious consequences on their quality of life.
What is the origin of the anti-hernia prosthesis affair?
In France, the problem erupted in 2017-2018, when patients of all ages reported that certain faulty or poorly designed prostheses caused adverse reactions. The cause: a design defect and poor quality materials used by certain manufacturers. The ANSM (National Agency for the Safety of Medicines and Health Products) has carried out studies on these devices, confirming the health risks. Several manufacturers, including Johnson & Johnson and Medtronic, have withdrawn some of their products from the market. This scandal highlighted flaws in the regulation of medical devices in France and elsewhere, where some products were placed on the market without sufficient testing. France seems to be following the path of the United States, where this dispute has lasted for twenty years. In 2024, an American manufacturer (Becton Dickinson) agreed to pay compensation to 38,000 plaintiffs to avoid a trial, marking a first tacit recognition of the risks linked to these devices.
What problems and symptoms do patients experience?
Many patients have complained of disabling post-operative complications. Many say they can no longer walk for more than a few minutes, bend down or carry loads. In addition to pain, they report permanent foreign body sensations, recurrent infections and, sometimes, the triggering of autoimmune diseases. Some patients, like the actor Arnaud Denis, have initiated euthanasia procedures in the face of treatment failure and the complex removal of the prosthesis. Above all, patients feel that they were not given an informed choice. Many claim that surgeons presented the installation of the mesh as a routine operation, without mentioning the risk of permanent chronic pain (which occurs in 1 to 5% of cases in a debilitating manner). They regret that they were not offered other surgical techniques without synthetic implants.
Which manufacturers are involved in the affair?
Manufacturers like Medtronic, B. Braun, Johnson & Johnson/Ethicon and Invamed are at the center of this affair, with particular emphasis on those who have marketed implants based on polypropylene or polyester, materials considered defective by some experts.
What justice for the victims?
Lawyer Pierre Debuisson (already known for the Buitoni pizza affair) is preparing a collective complaint planned for the first quarter of 2026 against several targets:doctors, manufacturers (Medtronic, B. Braun, Invamed) and the State, with the reasons “Involuntary injuries, aggravated deception, involuntary manslaughter and lack of information.” Around fifty plaintiffs are already grouped together, but the lawyer estimates that the number of potential victims could reach 200,000.
