Management of mesh infection after open inguinal hernia repair.

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the outcomes of mesh infection management following inguinal hernia repair. Study Design: Retrospective Cohort study. Setting: Department of Surgery, Khyber Medical University Institute of Medical Sciences DHQ Teaching Hospital Kohat. Period: January 2022 to December 2022. Material & Methods: Patients who had mesh implants for the correction of inguinal hernias were the subjects of this study. The hospital notes of these patients were retrospectively evaluated, and data concerning the patients' presentations, types of prior hernia repairs, types of mesh used, operative findings, and complications following mesh infection repair. Results: During the study period, 40 patients reported with mesh related infections among patients with history of inguinal hernia repair. Out of these 40 patients, 37 (92.5%) were male and 3 (7.5%) female. The mean age was reported to be 52.8±6.4 years. The mean duration of inguinal hernia repair was 10.8±4.2 months. All patients were examined for possible causes for the mesh infection and it was found that unincorporated polypropylene was the commonest possible factor behind mesh infection and reported in 18 (45.0%) cases. Follow up record of patients for at least 6 months was evaluated following mesh infection management and 32 (90.0%) patients reported no complications. Conclusion: Outcomes of mesh infection management following inguinal hernia repair were good. Clinical judgment is necessary to determine the extent of mesh removal.