Mesh-related infections after hernia repair

Abstract

Open or laparoscopic tension-free mesh implantation for hernia repair of abdominal wall defects has been the gold standard treatment because it appears to reduce the rate of recurrence by an average of 30-50% in comparison with the simple nonmesh herniorrhaphy. However, the use of artificial meshes within the human body is not without potential clinical problems and might lead to various complications such as seromas (fluid accumulation), adhesions, chronic severe pain, migration or even rejection of the mesh, and, of course, mesh-related infections [1, 2]. These complications may even be life-threatening and usually necessitate hospitalization and surgical removal of the troublesome mesh. © 2010 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.