Management of Abdominal Wall Mesh Infections

Abdominal wall mesh infections following ventral hernia repair create significant patient morbidity and result in significantly increased health care costs. While many mesh infections occur in the early postoperative period, delayed infections may occur years following implantation of the mesh. Nonoperative strategies with antibiotics, percutaneous drainage, and wound care may be utilized to attempt mesh salvage. Mesh removal may be required for definitive management in either the acute or the chronic setting. After mesh removal, strategies for abdominal wall closure are predicated upon patient physiology and hernia characteristics.