P-004 APPENDICITIS CAUSING CHRONIC MESH INFECTION: A CASE SERIES OF TWO PATIENTS

Abstract

Abstract Aim To discuss appendicitis as a cause of chronic mesh infection. Methods This study reports two patients with previous inguinal hernia repair who presented with recurrent groin infections resulting from appendicitis. Results Patient 1 had a history of laparoscopic bilateral inguinal hernia repair, followed by an open repair of a unilateral recurrence. He presented twice with groin pain and discharge. Sinugram demonstrated a superficial tract, but intra-operatively the sinus tract extended to the deep ring where the appendix was adherent and inflamed. There was also a meshoma of the preperitoneal mesh. He underwent appendicectomy and excision of meshoma. Patient 2 presented with perforated appendicitis with a large pelvic collection extending into the anterior abdominal wall. This was treated with percutaneous drainage and antibiotics. Further presentations with recurrent abscesses prompted a laparoscopy where an inflamed appendix was found adherent to the previous mesh through a hole in the peritoneum in a pre-peritoneal abscess cavity. He underwent appendicectomy and washout without mesh removal. Both patients remain symptom free at 10 months and 1 month respectively. Conclusion Literature review found reports of mesh-related appendicitis but no cases of appendicitis causing chronic mesh infection. Whilst rare, appendicitis causing chronic mesh infection should be considered in patients presenting with recurrent groin pain and abscesses having previously undergone inguinal hernia repair. Whilst we do not have long term follow up data, our experience indicates that these patients can be managed with or without mesh removal, providing the appendix is removed and the source of sepsis controlled.