To analyze the clinical reoperation efficacy of postoperative mesh infection with tension-free hernia repair surgery.

A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 32 patients with postoperative mesh infection after tension-free hernia repair at the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University from October 2019 to August 2023. All 32 patients underwent debridement under general anesthesia, including methylene blue assisted staining, mesh removal, wound flushing, and negative pressure closure drainage. Intraoperative situation, postoperative bacterial culture and drug sensitivity, and final therapeutic effect were analyzed.

One case underwent intraoperative replacement of a mesh, while three cases underwent partial intestinal resection simultaneously. Bacterial susceptibility from infection site indicates that most cases are single infections mainly caused by Staphylococcus aureus, which are sensitive by Quinolone drugs and β-Lactamide antibiotics. All patients were discharged from the hospital successfully. Postoperative follow-up showed 5 cases of infection recurrence and 2 cases of simple hernia recurrence.

Mesh infection after tension-free hernia repair should be treated early. During the surgical treatment, the rational use of methylene assisted debridement, complete removal of the mesh, strict flushing of the wound, negative pressure sealing drainage, and postoperative individualized antibiotic application are safe and reliable treatment methods.