Delayed mesh infection and mesh penetrating the transverse colon and small intestine after abdominal incisional hernia repair

Abstract

Abstract The occurrence of late-onset mesh infection and mesh invasion into the intestine after abdominal incisional hernia repair is extremely rare. Herein, we describe the first case of late-onset mesh infection and mesh penetrating the transverse colon and small intestine 5 years after incisional hernia repair using an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene mesh. The symptom was drainage from the reddish wound, and computed tomography scan revealed intestinal prolapse with local wall thickening. The mesh removal and small intestine and colon resection were conducted because the small intestine and transverse colon formed a mass containing the mesh inside. The events were caused by the lack of mesh fixation, and the dislodged mesh penetrating the intestinal tract caused the infection. For mesh infections in which conservative treatment is not effective, mesh removal and organ excision should not be delayed regardless whether there is a strong adhesion of the abdominal cavity.