Sigmoid to scrotal fistula secondary to mesh erosion: a rare complication of inguinal hernia repair in a patient on anticoagulation

Colocutaneous Fistula Formation Following Inguinal Hernia Repair: A Case Series

Mesh placement remains the standard of care for inguinal hernioplasty, whether through the classic open approach or the transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) approach. Though both techniques are generally safe, they can occasionally result in visceral injuries, albeit infrequently. Mesh migration into the intestines is a morbid situation requiring emergency treatment. We present two male patients who developed mesh-enterocutaneous fistula several years after inguinal hernia repair. The first patient with a history of a bilateral TAPP hernia repair was admitted to the emergency department and underwent bilateral complete mesh removal, limited right colectomy, and wedge resection of the sigmoid colon, due to mesh erosion. The second patient, with a history of a left inguinal hernia treated by open mesh repair, presented to the emergency department complaining of intense pain in his left inguinal area. Erosion of the prosthetic mesh into the sigmoid and a colo-cutaneous fistula was identified, with sigmoidectomy and en bloc excision of the adherent mesh and end-colostomy being performed. Mesh erosion into the intestinal tract is a rare but serious condition. In patients presenting with a subcutaneous abscess in the inguinal region, clinicians should maintain a high level of suspicion for intrabdominal inflammation arising from mesh erosion into adjacent viscera. Surgical management becomes necessary in symptomatic cases or instances of fistulization.

Fecal Scrotal Abscess Secondary to Spontaneous Retroperitoneal Perforation of Ascending Colon

Introduction

Fecal abscess or enterocutaneous fistulas of the scrotum are rare and are invariably the result of incarcerated bowel loop in inguinal hernia. Spontaneous perforation of the colon (SPC) having no definite cause is also rare. Much rarer is posterior colonic perforations causing an extensively large retroperitoneal abscess. Similarly, spread of retroperitoneal abscess to the thigh or scrotum has rarely been reported. We report a case of spontaneous posterior perforation of ascending colon resulting in large retroperitoneal abscess eventually causing scrotal abscess, which resolved on conservative treatment and drainage of the scrotal fecal abscess. Case Presentation. A 20-year-old male presented with gradually increasing noncolicky pain right side abdomen with nonprojectile vomiting, obstipation, and progressive abdominal distension. Clinically, the abdomen was tender with guarding over the right side with signs of inflammation on the right side back with no associated hernia. On conservative treatment, he was gradually improved but developed right side scrotal abscess a week later. CT abdomen showed a large retroperitoneal collection having multiple internal air lucencies, displacing ascending colon and caecum medically with discontinuity in the posterior wall of ascending colon. The large retroperitoneal collection was extending from right pararenal and posterior perihepatic soft tissue planes to the right iliac fossa and thigh. On drainage of the scrotal abscess, about 350 ml of fecal contents was evacuated. The patient gradually recovered and was discharged on conservative treatment with an uneventful 4-year follow-up.

Conclusion

Diagnosis of retroperitoneal perforation of the colon is often delayed due to the absence of peritoneal irritation. An extensively large retroperitoneal abscess may spread the infection to the scrotum and thigh due to extreme pressure, possibly by dissecting away the transversalis fascia through a deep ring along the side of the spermatic cord. Timely performed CT/MRI can avoid delay in the diagnosis of retroperitoneal abscess and further spread of infection.

Chronic mesh infection complicated by an enterocutaneous fistula successfully treated by infected mesh removal and negative pressure wound therapy: A case report

RATIONALE

Tension-free repair of inguinal hernia with prosthetic materials in adults has become a routine surgical procedure. However, serious complications may arise such as mesh displacement, infection, and even enterocutaneous fistula (EF). The management of chronic mesh infection (CMI) complicated by an EF is very challenging. A simple treatment of infected mesh removal and negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) may cure the patients with EF with CMI.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 75-year-old male patient underwent tension-free treatment for a bilateral inguinal hernia at a county hospital 10 years ago. Three months before admission, the right groin gradually formed a skin sinus with outflow of fetid thin pus, and it could not heal.

DIAGNOSES

The patient was diagnosed preoperatively with mesh plug adhesion to the intestine, which resulted in low-flow EF combined with CMI.

INTERVENTIONS

The patient received a simple treatment mode consisting of an incision made from the original incision, but the new incision did not penetrate the abdominal cavity; treatment included resection of the fistula, removal of the mesh, repair of the intestine and local tissue, and continuous irrigation of vacuum sealing drainage (VSD) devices for NPWT.

OUTCOMES

The infected mesh was completely removed. Five VSD devices were utilized to treat the EF and wound. The time from intervention to wound healing was 35 days, and follow-up for 6 months revealed no infection and no hernia recurrence in the right groin.

LESSONS

The NPWT is effective in treating CMI concomitant with EF and does not increase the risk of hernia recurrence.

A minimally invasive treatment of an asymptomatic case of mesh erosion into the caecum after total extraperitoneal inguinal hernia repair

BACKGROUND

Mesh migration and erosion into adjacent viscera is a rare complication after laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair. We present a minimally invasive treatment of an asymptomatic case of mesh erosion into the caecum after total extraperitoneal inguinal hernia repair, including an overview of the relevant recent literature.

METHODS

A male patient underwent a laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair at the age of 42. Two years after this procedure, a screening colonoscopy revealed erosion of the mesh into the caecum. A laparoscopy was performed with partial resection of the mesh and minimal resection of the involved colon. Results of a systematic review of English PubMed articles on mesh migration and erosion after inguinal hernia repair is presented.

RESULTS

We report a first-time minimally invasive treatment of mesh erosion into the colon. A laparoscopic approach is feasible and provides an excellent exposure. Partial removal of the mesh is suggested in uncomplicated cases to avoid complications associated with complete mesh removal.