Archives of the Balkan Medical Union (Sep 2019)

SURGICAL APPROACH OF INFECTED MESH WITH ENTERO-ATMOSPHERIC FISTULA – A CASE PRESENTATION

  • Daniel I. MIHALACHE,
  • Bogdan SOCEA,
  • Alexandru C. SMARANDA,
  • Anca A. NICA,
  • Alexandru C. CARAP,
  • Ovidiu G. BRATU,
  • Ana Maria A. STANESCU,
  • Florin GROSEANU,
  • Mihai C.T. DIMITRIU,
  • Vlad D. CONSTANTIN

DOI
https://doi.org/10.31688/ABMU.2019.54.3.29
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 54, no. 3
pp. 591 – 595

Abstract

Read online

Introduction. Mesh reinforcement is generally considered the standard of care in hernia repair. Infection is a common complication following hernia repair. Infection of the mesh is a complex problem. Knowledge of new treatment strategies is necessary for surgeons performing abdominal wall reconstruction. Case presentation. We present the case of a 68-year-old woman, who presented with a non-traumatic entero-atmospheric fistula at the site of the hernia repair, which had been done 2 years previously through the implantation of a dual mesh. The fistula has appeared one year previously. The treatment consisted in a complete removal of the infected mesh and segmentary enterectomy. The abdominal wall was repaired through a tissular procedure and the skin was left to close per secundam. The postoperative outcome was favorable. Conclusions. Following excision of infected mesh, multi-staged abdominal wall reconstruction can be considered. Biologic or biosynthetic mesh is recommended when repairing incisional hernias following excision of infected mesh and likely represent the patient’s best chance for a definitive hernia repair. Negative pressure wound therapy closure should be considered in higher-risk patients. Mesh infection is a complex complication that is commonly encountered by surgeons performing hernia repair. Prevention through patient optimization should be performed whenever appropriate. However, when patients develop a mesh infection, most of them will require a complete mesh excision and recurrent hernia repair.

Keywords