Individualized treatment policy for mesh infection after inguinal hernia repair

Objective To evaluate treatment experience for mesh infection after inguinal hernia repair. Methods 392 cases underwent surgery for mesh infection after inguinal hernia repair in Beijing Chaoyang Hospital from Jan 2007 to Jun 2018. For mesh infection after open inguinal hernia repair, infected mesh and tissue were removed by open operation, while laparoscopic operation was adopted for mesh infection after laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair. Time of infection, type of bacteria, and hernia recurrence were evaluated. Results 369 cases suffered mesh infection after open inguinal hernia repair and 23 cases were after laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair. 61 cases suffered mesh infection within 3 months, 258 cases were from 3 months to 1 year and 73 cases were after one year. During follow up of 6 to 36 months after operation, 29 cases suffered hernia recurrence in 24 to 34 months after removal of mesh. Bacterial culture were positive in 193 cases, including 126 cases of staphylococcus aureus, 18 cases of escherichia coli and 15 cases of pseudomonas aeruginosa. Conclusion Individualized treatment policy based on original mesh placement is safe and effective for mesh infection after inguinal hemiorrhaphy. Key words: Hernia, inguinal; Herniorrhaphy; Infection, mesh