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Polypropelene mesh eroding transverse colon following laparoscopic ventral hernia repair
Manash Ranjan Sahoo1, Suryakanta Bisoi, Santosh Mathapati
1Department of General Surgery, Sriram Chandra Bhanja Medical College and Hospital, Cuttack, Odisha, India.
Journal of Minimal Access Surgery
|April 30, 2013
Summary
Polypropylene mesh used in laparoscopic ventral hernia repair can lead to enterocutaneous fistula. This case highlights rare polypropylene mesh erosion into the transverse colon, requiring surgical repair.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Surgical Innovation
- Medical Device Complications
Background:
- Laparoscopic ventral hernia repair often utilizes polypropylene mesh.
- While generally safe, mesh complications can occur, including fistulas.
- Enterocutaneous fistula formation is a severe, though infrequent, complication.
Observation:
- A patient developed an enterocutaneous fistula one month after laparoscopic polypropylene mesh hernioplasty for incisional hernia.
- A fistulogram confirmed contrast entering the transverse colon.
- Surgical exploration revealed polypropylene mesh erosion into the mid-transverse colon as the cause.
Findings:
- Polypropylene mesh erosion into the transverse colon is a rare complication.
- The eroded mesh directly caused the enterocutaneous fistula.
- Successful treatment involved colon resection, anastomosis, and mesh removal.
Implications:
- This case underscores the potential for severe complications with polypropylene mesh in hernia repair.
- Awareness of rare mesh erosion is crucial for surgeons.
- Further research into mesh biocompatibility and long-term outcomes is warranted.
