Enterocutaneous fistula from a mesh eroding the small bowel after incisional hernia repair: A case report

Abstract

Tension-free hernia repair with mesh reinforcement has become the standard of care in hernia surgery. Mesh eroding the bowel with enterocutaneous fistula is a rare and serious complication. We present a case of a 46-year-old obese man with abdominal wall abscess who developed enterocutaneous fistula due to the erosion of the small bowel from a bioabsorbable coated mesh after incisional hernia repair. We discuss the biological response to hernia repair meshes as well as this challenging to treat, early or late complication of hernia surgery.

Keywords

• complication of hernia surgery
• enterocutaneous fistula
• hernia repair
• mesh erosion of the bowel