Removal Of Infected Mesh Research Articles

Abdominal Mesh Colpopexy Without Promontory Fixation: 10-Year Follow-up Results of the Peritoneocolpopexy Technique

ObjectivesTo restore apical vaginal prolapse support when the access to the promontory is challenging, a modified method of colpopexy may be needed. We present our 10-year results on the peritoneocolpopexy (PCP) technique without promontory fixation relying on unidirectional barbed delayed absorbable sutures (V-Loc). MethodsFourteen women who underwent PCP for vaginal vault prolapse between 2011 and 2014 participated in an IRB-approved prospective study (11 non-infected; 3 with infected mesh needing excision). Ten-year follow-up data including validated questionnaires (UDI-6, IIQ-7, QoL), pelvic organ prolapse quantifications (POP-Q), complications, re-operations, and secondary prolapses were collected. Paired statistical analyses compared various timepoints and mixed model analysis assessed questionnaire and POP-Q trends over time. ResultsMedian follow-up was 9.7 years (IQR: 6.0 – 0.7) to last POP-Q and 10.4 years (IQR: 9.6 – 11.5) to last contact. No patients were lost to follow-up. Mean baseline C point for all patients was -4.3 and -2.9; 1-year C point was -9.1 and -9.2 and -8.6 and -8.5, respectively at last visit. POP-Q findings improved between pre-PCP and 1-year post surgery and did not significantly change until the last visit. Trends in UDI-6, IIQ-7, QoL and POP-Q findings showed no significant change in any category per year (95% CI, p = 0.2 – 0.9). Secondary anterior compartment prolapse was noted in 3 patients with 1 requiring a repair. ConclusionsPeritoneocolpopexy provides durable vaginal apical support when access to the promontory is compromised. PCP can also be used to prevent secondary prolapse after an infected mesh removal.

Quality of life assessment of patients after removal of late-onset infected mesh following open tension-free inguinal hernioplasty: 3-year follow-up.

Open tension-free inguinal hernioplasty is one of the common surgical methods used today to treat inguinal hernias due to its simplicity and low recurrence rate. With the widespread use of tension-free inguinal hernia repair, the number of patients with mesh infections is gradually increasing. However, there is a lack of studies assessing the quality of life of patients after the removal of late-onset infected meshes in open inguinal hernias. The aim of this study was to analyse and assess the quality of life, pain severity and anxiety of patients after late-onset infection mesh removal following open inguinal hernioplasty. Data from 105 patients admitted to our hospital from January 2014 to January 2019 who developed delayed mesh infection after open tension-free inguinal hernia repair were retrospectively analysed. 507 patients without mesh infection after open inguinal hernioplasty were included as cross-sectional controls. The baseline data of the two groups were matched for propensity score matching (PSM) with a caliper value of 0.05 and a matching ratio of 1:1. Patients are followed up by telephone or outpatient consultations for 3years to assess quality of life, pain and anxiety after removal of the infected mesh. The 105 patients who developed late-onset mesh infection after inguinal hernia repair had a mean age of 64.07 ± 12.90years and a mean body mass index (BMI) of 24.64 ± 2.67 (kg/m2). The mean follow-up time was 58months and 10.5% (10/105) of the patients were lost to follow-up. At the 3-year follow-up there was one case of hernia recurrence and five cases of mesh reinfection. The patients' quality of life scores, pain scores and anxiety scores improved after surgery compared to the preoperative scores (all p < 0.01). Patients with late-onset mesh infection after inguinal hernioplasty showed an improvement in quality of life, pain and anxiety compared to preoperative after removal of the infected mesh. Mesh-plug have a higher risk of mesh infection due to their poor histocompatibility and tendency to crumple and shift.

Treatment of mesh infection after inguinal hernia repair: 3-year experience with 120 patients.

Mesh infection is a devastating complication of sterile hernia repair surgery. This study was performed to assess the short- and long-term outcomes following treatment for mesh infection after inguinal hernia repair. This single-center retrospective study included all patients who developed mesh infection after inguinal hernia repair from January 2018 to December 2020. Patient demographics, mesh infection characteristics, microbiology, features of surgery, short- and long-term outcomes, and follow-up data were analyzed. In total, 120 patients (8 women, 112 men; mean age, 54.4years; mean body mass index, 24.8kg/m2) were treated for mesh infection. The cultures were positive in 88 patients; 62.5% of these were positive for Staphylococcus aureus. Laparoscopic exploration was performed in 108 patients. Seventy patients underwent complete removal of infected mesh, and 50 underwent partial removal. During the short-term follow-up, 11 patients developed a minor wound infection and were treated with dressings and antibiotics, 1 developed a wound infection requiring debridement, 30 developed seromas, and 3 developed hematomas that did not require surgical intervention. During the mean follow-up of 39.1months, 4 patients developed hernia recurrence, 2 experienced chronic pain, and 23 developed recurrent infection requiring reoperation in the partial mesh removal group (in contrast, only 4 patients in the complete mesh removal group developed recurrent infection, with a statistically significant difference). The outcome of mesh infection after inguinal hernia repair treated by mesh removal is satisfactory. Systematic individualized treatment by experienced experts based on the patient's previous repair technique, implanted mesh, and physical condition is recommended.

What is the outcome of late-onset infected mesh removal after open tension-free inguinal hernioplasty: 3-year follow-up.

Reports of mesh infections following open tension-free inguinal hernioplasty are gradually increasing. Recent research has focused on identifying and managing mesh infections. However, studies examining the long-term outcomes and quality of life following mesh removal for late-onset infections are few. This study aimed to analyze the short and long-term outcomes after maximal removal of the implanted mesh in patients with late-onset mesh infection after open tension-free inguinal hernioplasty. Data of 105 patients who developed late-onset mesh infection after open tension-free inguinal hernioplasty and were admitted to our hospital from January 2014 to January 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were followed up by telephone or outpatient consultation for 3years, focusing on hernia recurrence and mesh infection recurrence. Quality of life was assessed preoperatively and postoperatively using our developed scale; postoperative inguinal area pain was assessed using the visual analog score, and postoperative anxiety was assessed using the anxiety self-assessment scale. Of the 105 patients who experienced late-onset mesh infection following open inguinal hernioplasty, 100 underwent mesh plug repair. The mean follow-up time was 58months, and 10.5% (95/105) of the patients were lost to follow-up. Recurrence of infection was observed in 28.6% of patients (2/7) who underwent partial mesh removal and in 3.4% of patients (3/88) who underwent complete mesh removal. One inguinal hernia recurred 12months after mesh removal (1.0% recurrence rate). In the third year following surgery as compared to the preoperative period, there were significant improvements in quality of life. Hernia plugs may not be a good choice in tension-free inguinal hernia repair in view of the risk of late infections and fistulas. Remove all mesh at the time of the first operation for mesh infection. Hernia recurrence after late-onset infected mesh removal following open inguinal tension-free hernioplasty is rare. The post-operative quality of life, pain, and anxiety are gradually steadily improving.

An island of muscular free flap-laparoscopic repair of recurrent incisional hernias presenting as left flank mass: a case report

Incisional hernias present as ventral hernias but very rarely they may present as a recurrent hernia in the flank. We present the case of a 67-year-old male with past surgical history significant for open repair of recurrent ventral incisional hernia, previous component separation and surgical removal of infected mesh two years back; now presenting with a left lateral flank mass later confirmed as left lateral incisional hernia upon CT scan. The patient was planned for a laparoscopic incisional hernia repair with 20*20 cm Ventralight mesh. At 3 months postoperative follow-up visit the patient was doing well and had returned to normal activity. There was no evidence of any recurrence.

Single-stage abdominal wall reconstruction in contaminated and dirty wounds is safe: a single center experience.

The proper approach to repair of complex abdominal wall hernia in contaminated and dirty surgical fields is unknown. Identification of a surgical approach limiting the number of operative procedures, post-operative complications, and financial burden is needed. We hypothesized that single-stage abdominal wall reconstruction using poly-4-hydroxybutyrate resorbable mesh would result in low incidence of post-operative surgical site occurrence and a low incidence of hernia recurrence in Centers for Disease Control class III and IV wounds. We conducted a single institution, retrospective cohort study of consecutive patients, age greater than 18years old, that underwent abdominal wall reconstruction complicated by presence of Centers for Disease Control class III and IV wounds between January 2014 and March 2019. Primary outcomes assessed were surgical site occurrence, hernia recurrence, and mesh-related adverse events. Thirty-four patients that underwent single-stage abdominal wall reconstruction utilizing poly-4-hydroxybutyrate mesh with contaminated (n = 12) and dirty/infected wounds (n = 22) were identified. Patients mean age was 64years, and body mass index was 31kg/m2. Mean follow-up was 37months, range of 21-60. Concurrent procedures included fistula takedown (n = 9), infected mesh removal (n = 6), and parastomal hernia repair (n = 6). Mean defect size was 150.7 cm2. Surgical site occurrence rate was 12%, with 1 superficial and 2 deep surgical site infections. Midline hernia recurrence rate was 0, there were two parastomal hernia recurrences, for an overall hernia recurrence rate of 6%. No mesh-related adverse events occurred. This study suggests that over a 3-year follow-up period single-stage complex abdominal wall reconstruction with poly-4-hydroxybutyrate is safe and durable. Single-stage complex abdominal wall reconstruction with poly-4-hydroxybutyrate mesh in the setting of Centers for Disease Control class III and IV wounds is a realistic option with acceptable outcomes.

Short-Term Outcomes Following Removal of Infected Hernia Mesh.

There are limited studies regarding outcomes of replacing an infected mesh with another mesh. We reviewed short-term outcomes following infected mesh removal and whether placement of new mesh is associated with worse outcomes. Patients who underwent hernia repair with infected mesh removal were identified from 2005 to 2018 American College of Surgeons-National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database. They were divided into new mesh (Mesh+) or no mesh (Mesh-) groups. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to compare morbidity between the two groups and to identify associated risk factors. Of 1660 patients, 49.3% received new mesh, with higher morbidity in the Mesh+ (35.9% vs. 30.3%; P = .016), but without higher rates of surgical site infection (SSI) (21.3% vs. 19.7%; P = .465). Mesh+ had higher rates of acute kidney injury (1.3% vs. .4%; P = .028), UTI (3.1% vs. 1.3%, P = .014), ventilator dependence (4.9% vs. 2.4%; P = .006), and longer LOS (8.6 vs. 7days, P < .001). Multivariate logistic regression showed new mesh placement (OR: 1.41; 95% CI: 1.07-1.85; P = .014), body mass index (OR: 1.02; 95% CI: 1.00-1.03; P = .022), and smoking (OR: 1.43; 95% CI: 1.05-1.95; P = .025) as risk factors independently associated with increased morbidity. New mesh placement at time of infected mesh removal is associated with increased morbidity but not with SSI. Body mass index and smoking history continue to contribute to postoperative morbidity during subsequent operations for complications.

Robotic Inguinal Hernias Performed at a Community Hospital: a Case Series of 292 Patients

Background: Robotic inguinal hernia repair has become more common and has replaced the laparoscopic approach in many hospitals in the US. We present a retrospective review of 416 consecutive inguinal hernia repairs using the robotic transabdominal preperitoneal approach in an academic community hospital. Methods: This is a retrospective review of 416 consecutive robotic inguinal hernia repairs in 292 patients performed from October 2015 to March 2021 by two surgeons. The demographics, intra-operative findings, and postoperative outcomes were analyzed. The results for patients during the initial 25 cases (which were considered to be during the learning curve for each surgeon) were compared to their subsequent cases. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to determine independent risk factors for postoperative complications. Results: Overall, 292 patients underwent 416 inguinal hernia repairs, of whom 124 (42.5%) had bilateral hernias. The mean age was 61 years and the mean BMI was 26.96 kg/m2. Of the bilateral hernias, 31.5% were unsuspected pre-operatively. Femoral hernias were found in 20.5% of patients, including in 18.4% of men, which were also unsuspected. Post-operatively, 89% of patients were discharged home the same day. The most common post-operative complication was seroma, which occurred in 13%. Three patients required re-intervention: one had deep SSI (infected mesh removal), one had a needle aspiration of a hematoma (SSORI), and one was operated on for small bowel volvulus related to adhesions. On short-term follow-up, there was only one early recurrence (0.2%). When cases during the learning curve period were compared to subsequent surgeries, there were no major differences in post-operative complications or operating time. Patients aged ≥55 years had a 2.456-fold (p=0.023) increased odds of post-operative complications. Conclusions: Robotic inguinal hernia repair can be safely performed at a community hospital with few early post-operative complications and very low early recurrence rates. The robotic approach also allows for the detection of a significant number of unsuspected contralateral inguinal hernias and femoral hernias, especially in male patients. Age ≥55 years was an independent risk factor for postoperative complications.

Surgical management of infected abdominal wall mesh: an analysis using the American Hernia Society Quality Collaborative.

Several management strategies exist for the treatment of infected abdominal mesh. Using the American Hernia Society Quality Collaborative, we examined management patterns and 30-day outcomes of infected mesh removal with concomitant incisional hernia repair. All patients undergoing incisional hernia repair with removal of infected mesh were identified. A complete repair (CR) was defined as fascial closure with mesh; a partial repair (PR) was defined as fascial closure without mesh or no fascial closure with mesh. A two-tailed p value less than or equal to 0.05 was considered statistically significant. A total of 282 patients were identified: 136 patients in CR group and 146 patients in PR group. Patients had similar comorbidities but differed in wound class (class IV: 55% CR vs 83% SR, p < 0.001) and incidence of associated concomitant colorectal procedures (5% CR vs 18% SR, p = 0.015). Sublay placement was used primarily in CR (94%) compared to PR (52% inlay, 48% sublay). When comparing CR to PR, length of stay (median 6, p = 0.69), complications (40% vs 44%, p = 0.44), surgical site infections (16% vs 21%, p = 0.27), surgical site occurrence (30% vs 35%, p = 0.45), and readmission within 30days (9% vs. 13%) were not statistically different. Analysis of data from a multicenter hernia registry comparing CR and PR during infected mesh removal and concurrent incisional hernia repair has not identified higher rates of short-term complications between groups in the presence of infection.

Biosynthetic Resorbable Prosthesis is Useful in Single-Stage Management of Chronic Mesh Infection After Abdominal Wall Hernia Repair.

The goal of this article was to report the results about the efficacy of treatment of chronic mesh infection (CMI) after abdominal wall hernia repair (AWHR) in one-stage management, with complete mesh explantation of infected prosthesis and simultaneous reinforcement with a biosynthetic poly-4-hydroxybutyrate absorbable (P4HB) mesh. This is a retrospective analysis of all patients that needed mesh removal for CMI between September 2016 and January 2019 at a tertiary center. Epidemiological data, hernia characteristics, surgical, and postoperative variables (Clavien-Dindo classification) of these patients were analyzed. Of the 32 patients who required mesh explantation, 30 received one-stage management of CMI. In 60% of the patients, abdominal wall reconstruction was necessary after the infected mesh removal: 8 cases (26.6%) were treated with Rives-Stoppa repair, 4 (13.3%) with a fascial plication, 1 (3.3%) with anterior component separation, and 1 (3.3%) with transversus abdominis release to repair hernia defects. Three Lichtenstein (10%) and 1 Nyhus repairs (3.3%) were performed in patients with groin hernias. The most frequent postoperative complications were surgical site occurrences: seroma in 5 (20%) patients, hematoma in 2 (6.6%) patients, and wound infection in 1 (3.3%) patient. During the mean follow-up of 34.5months (range 23-46months), the overall recurrence rate was 3.3%. Persistent, recurrent, or new CMIs were not observed. In our experience, single-stage management of CMI with complete removal of infected prosthesis and replacement with a P4HB mesh is feasible with acceptable results in terms of mesh reinfection and hernia recurrence.

Maximal Infected Mesh Removal with Methylene Blue Injection for Mesh Infection after Inguinal Hernia Repair.

Background: Mesh infection is a serious complication of inguinal hernia repair, but surgeons have not reached a consensus on the method of treatment. The aim of this study was to assess the outcomes of maximal mesh removal therapy with methylene blue injection for mesh infection after inguinal hernia repair. Patients and Methods: The study was a monocentric retrospective analysis following STrengthening the Reporting of OBservational studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) statements of all patients with mesh infection undergoing maximal mesh removal operation with methylene blue injection. Demographics, mesh infection characteristics, microbiology, early post-operative data, and follow-up data were recorded. Results: Sixteen patients underwent complete removal of infected mesh and 13 had partial removal. The operation time was 76.3 ± 26.0 minutes. In 13 patients the cultures tested positive, five for Staphylococcus aureus. Twelve participants developed surgical site infection post-operatively and eventually healed after 27.4 ± 16.3 days of dressing. In a mean follow-up of 46 months, one patient suffered chronic pain and one had chronic sinus in the partial removal group, although none did in the complete removal group, without a statistically significant difference. No hernia recurrence occurred. Conclusions: Maximal mesh removal therapy with methylene blue injection can be considered as a feasible alternative for the treatment of mesh infection.

Clinical outcomes and quality of life associated with the use of a biosynthetic mesh for complex ventral hernia repair: analysis of the \u201cItalian Hernia Club\u201d registry

With the development of newer meshes and approaches to hernia repair, it is currently difficult to evaluate their performances while considering the patients’ perspective. The aim of the study was to assess the clinical outcomes and quality of life consequences of abdominal hernia repairs performed in Italy using Phasix and Phasix ST meshes through the analysis of real-world data to support the choice of new generation biosynthetic meshes. An observational, prospective, multicentre study was conducted in 10 Italian clinical centres from May 2015 to February 2018 and in 15 Italian clinical centres from March 2018 to May 2019. The evaluation focused on patients with VHWG grade II–III who underwent primary ventral hernia repair or incisional hernia intervention with a follow-up of at least 18 months. Primary endpoints included complications’ rates, and secondary outcomes focused on patient quality of life as measured by the EuroQol questionnaire. Seventy-five patients were analysed. The main complications were: 1.3% infected mesh removal, 4.0% superficial infection requiring procedural intervention, 0% deep/organ infection, 8.0% recurrence, 5.3% reintervention, and 6.7% drained seroma. The mean quality of life utility values ranged from 0.768 (baseline) to 0.967 (36 months). To date, Phasix meshes have proven to be suitable prostheses in preventing recurrence, with promising outcomes in terms of early and late complications and in improving patient quality of life.

Mesh removal and reconstruction with posterior components separation technique for delayed mesh infection developed 10 years after abdominal incisional hernia repair: a rare case report

BackgroundVery few literatures can be found reporting cases and treatment strategies of late-onset mesh infection after abdominal incisional hernia reconstruction. Here, we report a rare case of delayed mesh infection developed 10 years after abdominal incisional hernia repair, which was successfully treated by mesh removal and reconstruction with posterior components separation technique.Case presentationA 66-year-old man, who underwent reconstruction of abdominal incisional hernia by retroperitoneal Composix mesh application 10 years prior, developed 12 × 6.0 × 2.5 cm subcutaneous abscess followed by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)-related mesh infection. The operation was performed excising the abscess wall without damaging peritoneum, and huge intermuscular defect was successfully reconstructed by posterior components separation technique application.ConclusionsAn early decision of excising contaminated mesh would be preferable to extensive conservative treatments when mesh infection is suspected. Components separation technique application can be of great help when designing reconstruction of huge intramuscular defect after removal of infected mesh.

Management of Infected Mesh After Lichtenstein Hernia Repair: a Systematic Review

Inguinal hernia repair with mesh is one of the most common operations performed by general surgeons. Mesh infection is a rare complication that has detrimental effects on the patient and the healthcare system. The purpose of this systematic review was to determine an evidence-based management approach for patients with infected mesh following an open Lichtenstein inguinal hernia repair. The literature search was achieved using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis guidelines (PRISMA). The quality of the papers was assessed using Grading of Recommendations Assessment Development and Evaluation (GRADE) criteria. Studies were analysed by two independent reviewers. A total of 1532 abstracts and articles were reviewed. Fourteen met the inclusion criteria. In most, the mesh used was either monofilament or multifilament polypropylene. Most (86.8%) underwent mesh removal despite attempts at conservative management. Universally, in the presence of sinus formation (infected mesh to skin), mesh removal was required for definite resolution of infection. After a period of conservative management, removal of infected mesh following Lichtenstein inguinal hernia repair may be recommended. However, the quality of evidence is poor. Techniques such as partial removal or use of negative pressure dressings may need to be further explored.

Study of mesh infection management following inguinal hernioplasty with an analysis of risk factors: a 10-year experience

We present a review of our 10-year experience in managing patients with mesh infection following hernioplasty and analyze the occurrence of known predisposing factors. We analyzed 392 cases of mesh infection treated at our center between 2007 and 2018 after a preoperative work-up. (Thirty-one patients underwent the primary hernia repair procedure at our hospital, whereas the others underwent the primary surgery at other local centers and were referred to our center.) The method of infected mesh removal (open or laparoscopic) was selected depending on the primary surgical approach. Open repair involved the excision of the mesh, infected tissue, and sinus (if present). The laparoscopic approach was used to identify the abscess, excise the mesh, and allow drainage into the preperitoneal space. The operative course in all patients was uneventful. A second surgery to extract the residual mesh around the pubic bone was performed in 7 patients. Hernia recurred in 29 patients after mesh removal. The discharge culture results were positive in 193 patients. Of these, Staphylococcus spp. was identified as the causative organism in 126 patients. Risk factors for mesh infection, including obesity, smoking, and diabetes, were identified in 182 (46.5%), 154 (39.3%), and 35 (8.9%) patients, respectively. It is recommended the approach of mesh removal is tailored as per the primary hernioplasty method. We analyzed the occurrence of risk factors for mesh infection in this study, but further studies are needed to develop a predictive model that is both internally and externally validated to evaluate the probability of mesh infection.

Total or partial removal of infected mesh? Invited comment.

Total or partial removal of infected mesh? Invited comment.

Concomitant open ventral hernia repair: what is the financial impact of performing open ventral hernia with other abdominal procedures concomitantly?

Open ventral hernia repair (VHR) is often performed in conjunction with other abdominal procedures. Clinical outcomes and financial implications of VHR are becoming better understood; however, financial implications of concomitant VHR during other abdominal procedures are unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the financial implications of adding VHR to open abdominal procedures. This IRB-approved study retrospectively reviewed hospital costs to 180-day post-discharge of standalone VHRs, isolated open abdominal surgeries (bowel resection or stoma closure, removal of infected mesh, hysterectomy or oophorectomy, panniculectomy or abdominoplasty, open appendectomy or cholecystectomy), performed at our institution from October 1, 2011 to September 30, 2014. The perioperative risk data were obtained from the local National Surgery Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database, and resource utilization data were obtained from the hospital cost accounting system. 345 VHRs, 1389 open abdominal procedures as described, and 104 concomitant open abdominal and VHR cases were analyzed. The VHR-only group had lower ASA Class, shorter operative duration, and a higher percentage of hernias repaired via separation of components than the concomitant group (p < 0.001). The median hospital cost for VHR-alone was $12,900 (IQR: $9500-$20,700). There were significant increases to in-hospital costs when VHR was combined with removing an infected mesh (63%) or with bowel resections or stoma closures (0.7%). The addition of VHR did not cause a significant change in 180-day post-discharge costs for any of the procedures. This study noted decreased costs when combining VHR with panniculectomy or abdominoplasty and hysterectomy or oophorectomy. For removal of infected mesh and bowel resection or stoma closure, waiting, when feasible, is recommended. Given the impending changes in financial reimbursements in healthcare in the United States, it is prudent that future studies evaluate further the clinical and fiscal benefit of concomitant procedures.

Development of a novel murine model for treatment of infected mesh scenarios.

Indications regarding hernia repair after removal of previously infected prostheses remain unclear. Patients may receive staged primary repair or single-stage reconstructions, neither of which may be ideal. Although animal models have simulated contamination by direct inoculation of implants with bacteria, there remains a paucity of literature, which simulates a field following mesh infection and removal. We aimed to develop a murine model to mimic this complex scenario to allow for further testing of various implants. Thirty-six female CL57BL/6J mice underwent implantation of a 0.7×0.7cm polyester mesh in the dorsal subcutaneous position. Wounds were closed and inoculated with 100µL containing 1×104 CFU of GFP-labeled MSSA. After 2weeks, the infected mesh was removed and the cavity was copiously irrigated with saline. Mice were split into four groups: with three groups receiving new polyester, polypropylene, and porcine mesh and remaining as non-mesh controls. Mice were survived for another 2weeks and underwent necropsy. Gross infection was evaluated at 2 and 4weeks. Tissue homogenization and direct plating to recover GFP MSSA was completed at 4weeks. At 2weeks, all mice were noted to have gross mesh infection. One animal died due to overwhelming infection and wound breakdown. At 4weeks, 5/6 (83%) control mice who did not have a second mesh implantation had full clearance of their wounds. In contrast, 9/10 (90%) mice with re-implantation of polypropylene were noted to have pus and recovery of GFP MSSA on plating. This was also observed in 100% of mice with polyester and porcine mesh. Our novel murine model demonstrates that mesh re-implantation after infected mesh removal results in infection of the newly placed prosthesis, regardless of the material characteristic or type. This model lays foundation for development and investigation of implants for treatment strategies following infected mesh removal.

Risks of subsequent abdominal operations after laparoscopic ventral hernia repair.

Laparoscopic ventral hernia repair (LVHR) with intraperitoneal mesh placement is well established; however, the fate of patients requiring future abdominal operations is not well understood. This study identifies the characteristics of LVHR patients undergoing reoperation and the sequelae of reoperation. A retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database at a hernia referral center identified patients who underwent LVHR between 2005 and 2014 and then underwent a subsequent abdominal operation. The outcomes of those reoperations were collected. Data are presented as a mean with ranges. A total of 733 patients underwent LVHR. The average age was 56.5years, BMI 33.9kg/m2, hernia size 115cm2 (range 1-660cm2), and mesh size 411cm2 (range 17.7-1360cm2). After a mean follow-up of 19.4months, the overall hernia recurrence rate was 8.4%. Subsequent abdominal operations were performed in 17% (125 patients) at a mean 2.2years. The most common indication for reoperation was recurrent hernia (33 patients, 26.4%), followed by bowel obstruction (18 patients, 14.4%), hepatopancreaticobiliary (17 patients, 13.6%) and infected mesh removal (15 patients, 12%), gynecologic (10 patients, 8%), colorectal (8 patients, 6.4%), bariatric (4 patients, 3%), trauma (1 patient, 0.8%), and other (19 patients, 15%). The overall incidence of enterotomy or unplanned bowel resection (EBR) at reoperation was 4%. This occurred exclusively in those reoperated for complete bowel obstruction, and the reason for EBR was mesh-bowel adhesions. No other indication for reoperation resulted in EBR. The incidence of secondary mesh infection after subsequent operation was 2.4%. In a large consecutive series of LVHR, the rate of abdominal reoperation was 17%. Generally, these reoperations can be performed safely. A reoperation for bowel obstruction, however, may carry an increased risk of EBR as a direct result of mesh-bowel adhesions. Secondary mesh infection after reoperation, although rare, may also occur. Surgeons should discuss with their patients the potential long-term implications of having an intraperitoneal mesh and how it may impact future abdominal surgery.

Active Staphylococcus aureus infection: Is it a contra-indication to the repair of complex hernias with synthetic mesh? A prospective observational study on the outcomes of synthetic mesh replacement, in patients with chronic mesh infection caused by Staphylococcus aureus

IntroductionThe management of chronic mesh infection is challenging and controversial. The use of synthetic material to repair the abdominal wall in the infected setting is not recommended, especially in the presence of active infection caused by Staphylococcus aureus. MethodsThis is a prospective observational study designed to evaluate the outcomes in patients with active mesh infection caused by Staphylococcus aureus. Patients underwent simultaneous removal and replacement of polypropylene mesh. The treatment protocol included the complete removal of infected mesh, followed by the anatomical reconstruction, and reinforcement of the abdominal wall using a new onlay polypropylene mesh. Early and late wound complications, medical complications, and hernia recurrences were analyzed. ResultsFrom 2006 until 2014, 22 patients with a mean age of 57.2 years and mean BMI of 29,3 kg/m2 were studied. Sinuses were present in 21 patients. A recurrent ventral hernia was observed in 14 patients; two patients required a complex abdominal wall reconstruction due to enteric fistulas. Bowel resections or other potentially contaminated procedures were associated in 10 patients. Fourteen patients (63.6%) had an uneventful postoperative course; 5 (22.7%) patients had wound infections requiring debridement and three required partial (2) or total (1) mesh removal. Two patients died due to medical complications. Adverse results on long-term follow-up included one hernia recurrence after complete mesh removal and one persistent sinus after partial mesh removal requiring a reoperation to remove mesh remnants. All of the patients were considered free of infection after a mean follow-up of 44 months. ConclusionsSynthetic mesh replacement in patients with active Staphylococcus aureus infection has an acceptable incidence of postoperative wound infection and prevents hernia recurrence. Large-pore polypropylene mesh is a suitable material to be used in the infected surgical field as an onlay graft.