Risk Factors for Mesh Related Wound Infection after Ventral Hernia Repair Surgery

Abstract

Background: Mesh infection after hernia repair is a devastating complication. Preoperative prediction of high risk patients may be useful to avoid infections. This study aims at evaluating risk factors for mesh related wound infection in our setting.Patients and methods: This prospective cohort analysis study included 120 patients underwent ventral hernioplasty with polypropylene mesh from October 2009 to February 2013 at Baghdad Teaching Hospital. Clinical data analyzed to determine risk factors of mesh related wound infection.Results: After one year follow up for each of 120; 21 patients (17.5%) developed mesh related wound infection. Predictors of infection were: age ≥ 45 years, BMI≥35 kg/m2, diabetes mellitus, past history of previous surgical repair, presence of more than one sac or defect, defect size larger than 5 cm, type of hernia sac content (small bowel), small bowel anastomoses, and increased duration of surgery.Conclusion: Clinical history and examination preoperatively can predict high risk patients to develop postoperative infection.