Abstract:

Objective

To summarize the experience of diagnosis and treatment of mesh infection after tension-free preperitoneal inguinal hernia repair.

Methods

From January 2016 to August,2024, the clinical characteristics of 10 patients with mesh infection after tension-free preperitoneal inguinal hernia repair in Nanjing Jiangbei Hospital Affiliated to Nantong University Xinglin College were retrospectively collected and analyzed.Laparoscopic combined with open surgery was used to remove the infected mesh, and the surgical treatment was summarized.

Results

The incidence of mesh infection after tension-free preperitoneal inguinal hernia repair in our hospital was 1.03% (10/967).All patients received epidural anesthesia and used the polypropylene double-layer mesh in the surgery.The time of mesh infection was (12.6±7.0) months after surgery, and the main bacteria cultured were Staphylococcus aureus.The surgical method for removing mesh was laparoscopic and open combined surgery, with double-cannula drainage tube placed in the incision.The surgical time was (105.1±24.5) minutes, and the hospital stay was (14.8±5.0) days.All incisions were class A healing, and no complications were reported during postoperative follow-up.

Conclusion

Mesh infection after tension-free preperitoneal inguinal hernia repair is rare and complex to manage.Early infections can be managed conservatively, while late infections require complete mesh removal.The laparoscopic and open combined surgery is conducive to the removal of the mesh, and use of double-cannula drainage tube is beneficial to the healing of the incision.

Key words: Hernia, inguinal, Preperitoneal space, Tension-free hernia repair, Mesh infection, Laparoscopic assisted surgery