To summarize and discuss the surgical approach and management experience of mesh infection after inguinal hernia hernioplasty.

The clinical data, surgical methods and healing outcomes of 24 patients with mesh infection after inguinal hernia repair from Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College in Huazhong University of Science and Technology from June 2007 to January 2019, were retrospectively analyzed.

All the 24 patients successfully cleared the infected mesh, without replacing a new mesh. The incision was sutured in full thickness with the placement of dual-tubes drainage. There was no surgical death, 21 patients healed in one stage, 1 case healed through two debridements and 2 cases delayed healing by changing dressings. 21 patients were healed by first intention, 1 patient was cured by re-debridement, and 2 patients were healed by second intention with dressing. All patients were followed up for 2 months to 11 years without recurrence.

The treatment of mesh infection after inguinal hernia repair is complicated. Comprehensive treatment including removal of infected mesh, primary suture and dual-tubes drainage can achieve satisfactory results.