Mesh plug migration into scrotum: a new complication of hernia repair

Hernia repair is one of the most frequent operative procedures performed throughout the world. The technique has continued to evolve and we now are performing these repairs utilizing mesh as a patch and also as a plug. The mesh plug concept has been advocated by Rutkow and others. With this change in technique, we have seen a new complication of hernia repair - the migration of the mesh plug from the original hernia repair site into the scrotum. It presented as a large tender mass in the scrotum of a 45-year-old male who had had previous recurrent surgery. In addition, he again had a recurrent incarcerated hernia. Correction of the hernia and resection of the migrated mesh plug from the scrotum were carried out. It is recommended that both the patch and the plug be into position to avoid or reduce the risk of such a recurrence and plug migration.