Conservative management of mesh-site infection in hernia repair surgery: a case series.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to assess the outcome of conservative management of infected mesh grafts following abdominal wall hernia repair. METHODS: This study retrospectively examined the charts of patients who developed mesh-site infection following surgery for abdominal hernia repair to determine how effective conservative management in the form of antibiotics and wound management was on the resolution of infection and wound healing. RESULTS: Over a period of 30 months, 13 patients developed infected mesh grafts post-hernia repair surgery. Twelve patients were successfully treated conservatively with local wound care and antibiotics if clinically indicated. One patient returned to theatre to have the infected mesh removed. Of the patients that healed eleven were treated with negative pressure wound therapy (VAC(®)). CONCLUSION: This series of case studies indicate that conservative management of abdominal wall-infected hernia mesh cases is likely to be successful.