Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 29, 2025
Application of a New Mesh Fixation Method in Laparoscopic Incisional Hernia Repair
Published on: December 23, 2022
Usefulness of sonication procedure in mesh infection diagnosis associated with hernia repair
L Salar-Vidal1, J J Aguilera-Correa1, E Petkova2
1Department of Clinical Microbiology, IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz, UAM, Av. Reyes Católicos 2, 28040, Madrid, Spain.
Background:
The use of prosthetic meshes is a common practice in hernia repair surgery. However, infection can appear as an important complication where antibiotic selection must be directed by the etiology of the infection. In recent years, sonication has appeared as an important tool for the diagnosis of many biomaterial-associated infections. Here, we evaluated our experience with this methodology for the diagnosis of mesh infection.
Methods:
We retrospectively reviewed the microbiological records between 2015 and 2019 looking for sonicated meshes in the microbiology laboratory. All samples were processed according to the sonication protocol described by Esteban J et al. (J Clin Microbiol. 2008 Feb; 46 (2): 488-92).
Results:
26 samples were processed during the study period. 21 of them gave a positive result for culture (11 polymicrobial and 10 monomicrobial ones). Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans were the commonest monomicrobial isolates (4 cases each). There were five cases of mixed gut microbiota. The median (interquartile range) UFC count was > 100,000 (50,000- > 100,000) CFU/mL.
Conclusion:
Sonication is a useful technique for the diagnosis of mesh infection.
Insights
Sonication effectively diagnoses prosthetic mesh infections after hernia repair surgery. This microbiological technique aids in identifying causative agents, guiding appropriate antibiotic selection for better patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Surgical Innovation
- Medical Microbiology
- Biomaterial Science
Background:
- Prosthetic mesh use in hernia repair is common.
- Mesh infection is a significant surgical complication.
- Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective antibiotic therapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the utility of sonication for diagnosing prosthetic mesh infections.
- To assess the microbiological yield of sonicated mesh samples.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of microbiological records (2015-2019).
- Processing of sonicated mesh samples using a standardized protocol.
- Analysis of culture results, including microbial identification and quantification.
Main Results:
- 26 samples were processed, with 21 yielding positive cultures.
- Common isolates included Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans, and mixed gut microbiota.
- High bacterial load (median >100,000 CFU/mL) was observed in positive samples.
Conclusions:
- Sonication is a valuable diagnostic tool for prosthetic mesh infections.
- The technique aids in identifying polymicrobial and monomicrobial etiologies.
- Results support the use of sonication for targeted antimicrobial treatment.
