J Korean Surg Soc.  2013 May;84(5):287-291.

Outcome of the patients with chronic mesh infection following open inguinal hernia repair

• Akyol C
• Kocaay F
• Orozakunov E
• Genc V
• Kepenekci Bayram I
• Cakmak A
• Baskan S
• Kuterdem E

Abstract

PURPOSE
Hernia repairs are the most common elective abdominal wall procedures performed by general surgeons. The use of a mesh has become the standard for hernia repair surgery. Herein, we discuss a management strategy for chronic mesh infections following open inguinal hernia repair with onlay prosthetic mesh.
METHODS
In this study, 15 patients with chronic mesh infections following open inguinal hernia repairs were included. The medical records of these patients were retrospectively reviewed and information regarding presentation, type of previous hernia repair, type of mesh, operative findings and bacteriological examination results were obtained. In all cases, the infected mesh was removed completely and the patients were treated with antibiotic regimens and local wound care.
RESULTS
Fifteen mesh removals due to chronic infection were performed between January 2000 and March 2012. The mean interval of hernia repair to mesh removal was 49 months. All patients were followed up for a median period of 62 months (range, 16 to 115 months). In all patients, the infections were resolved successfully and none were persistent or recurrent. However, one patient developed recurrent hernia and one developed nerve injury.
CONCLUSION
Chronic mesh infection following hernia repair mandates removal of the infected mesh, which rarely results in hernia recurrence.

Keyword

Inguinal hernia; Infection; Device removal; Recurrence

MeSH Terms

Abdominal Wall
Device Removal
Hernia
Hernia, Inguinal
Herniorrhaphy
Humans
Inlays
Medical Records
ortho-Aminobenzoates
Recurrence
Retrospective Studies
ortho-Aminobenzoates

Figure

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  Fig. 1. Chronic infection and sinus tract formation after Lichtenstein hernia repair.

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  Fig. 2. Infected polypropylene mesh was removed completely. Note the excessive tissue ingrowths and scar tissue.

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