Migrating mesh plug: complication of a well-established hernia repair technique

The mesh plug technique for repair of inguinal hernia has become one of the standard procedures in general surgery. The evolution of the technique of occluding the fascial defect with a foreign body has extensively been described in the surgical literature. The associated complications are also well described. We find only two published reports describing complications related to migration of a mesh plug. We present a case of a 50-year-old man with vague left lower quadrant pain approximately 18 months after left indirect inguinal hernia repair with the PerFix plug (Bard, Murray Hill, NJ) and overlay patch method. Laparoscopic exploration determined that the plug had migrated away from the left internal ring in the preperitoneal space and was involved with significant adhesions. The plug was removed, and his hernia was repaired laparoscopically with GORE-TEX mesh (W.L. Gore, Tempe, AZ). The patient's symptoms were relieved, and he remained pain free through follow-up at 6 months.