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Conservative management of mesh-site infection in hernia repair surgery: a case series
H Meagher1, M Clarke Moloney, P A Grace
1Department of Nursing, University Hospital Limerick, Limerick, Ireland.
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.
Insights
Conservative management, including antibiotics and wound care, effectively treats infected mesh grafts after abdominal hernia repair. Most patients healed without needing mesh removal, with negative pressure wound therapy aiding recovery.
Area of Science:
- Surgical Innovation
- Infectious Disease Management
- Wound Healing Research
Background:
- Mesh grafts are common in abdominal wall hernia repair.
- Mesh site infections can complicate recovery.
- Effective management strategies for infected mesh are crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of conservative management for infected mesh grafts.
- To assess outcomes of non-surgical interventions for mesh infections.
- To determine the success rate of conservative treatment in abdominal wall hernia repair.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective chart review of patients with infected mesh grafts.
- Analysis of conservative management strategies: antibiotics and wound care.
- Inclusion of negative pressure wound therapy (VAC®) as a treatment modality.
Main Results:
- 13 patients developed mesh site infections over 30 months.
- 12 out of 13 patients were successfully treated conservatively.
- 11 patients utilized negative pressure wound therapy for healing.
Conclusions:
- Conservative management is a viable and successful approach for infected hernia mesh.
- Non-surgical interventions can lead to positive outcomes in mesh infection cases.
- Further investigation into conservative methods for infected mesh grafts is warranted.
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