Mesh infection after inguinal hernia mesh repair

Summary Introduction Infection after repair of groin hernia is rare, even since the advent of mesh repair. The debate remains open about antibiotic prophylaxis. Aim of the study Assess incidence of this kind of complication, determine criteria of diagnosis and strategy of therapy by examining the collective experience of 32 surgeons. Method Fifty surgeons were asked to report their experience with mesh repair of inguinal hernias and specifically mesh infection. Diagnosis and therapy for each mesh infection were detailed. Results Forty-five cases were reported in 38 patients who had undergone open or laparoscopic mesh repair. Diagnosis was straightforward and established at a variable delay after mesh insertion: 51% during the first postoperative month; 26% more than one year after the procedure. Infection cured in 33 patients after mesh removal, in one step in 14 cases, but after many attempts for conservative therapy in 19 cases; the mean delay to cure was 12.5 months. Visceral resections had to be associated with mesh removal in 13% of cases. Conclusions This is the largest series of mesh infections after inguinal hernia repair reported in the literature. According to the evidence provided here, mesh removal appears to be the most appropriate treatment of this rare and serious complication.