Treatment of mesh infection after tension-free repair of inguinal hernia

Objective To analyze the treatment methods of the mesh infection after tension-free repair of inguinal hernia. Methods The clinical data of 6 patients with mesh infection after tension-free repair of inguinal hernia from January 2012 to December 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. The materials of the meshes were standard knitted polypropylene. Transabdominal preperitoneal technique (TAPP) was performed in 1 case, modified Kugel repair was performed in 1 case, and Lichtenstein repair was used in 4 cases. Five patients accepted reoperation, and the infected meshes were removed combined with closed drainage. One patient accepted conservative treatment. Results The patients who received the reoperation all healed and were discharged without perioperative death; the patients were followed up 6 to 40 months (average 19 months), and there were no recurrence patients. The patient with conservative treatment developed incision chronic infectious sinus formation. Conclusions There are many reasons for mesh infection after tension-free repair of inguinal hernia, and the management should be individual. Once the infection occurs, the infected mesh should be removed timely so as to shorten the course of disease, but the key is prevention. Key words: Hernia, inguinal; Infection; Reoperation; Retrospective studies