Intraperitoneal coated polypropylene hernia meshes: the dark side of the moon.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

To date, the use of meshes in repairing abdominal wall defects has brought many advantages, especially in terms of recurrence prevention, but it is not exempt from complications, such as chronic pain, entero-cutaneous fistulas and intestinal obstruction. Here we report a case of intestinal obstruction in a patient with a large umbilical hernia treated laparoscopically by means of a composite polypropylene mesh, six year before.

CASE REPORT:

A 49-year-old man came to our care with a 3-day history of central and right lower abdominal quadrant pain and a clinical picture of intestinal obstruction. Six years before the patient underwent a laparoscopic intervention to repair his umbilical hernia, with the positioning of a polypropylene coated mesh. Abdominal ultrasonography (US) confirmed the obstruction and demonstrated adhesions between an intestinal loop and the mesh. Intraoperatively, obstruction was confirmed and an intestinal segment had to be resected.

CONCLUSIONS:

Small bowel obstruction is an uncommon but possible late complication after laparoscopic hernia repair with coated polypropylene mesh.

• Authors: Vincenzo Davide Palumbo, Antonio Bruno, Giuseppe Damiano, Giovanni Tomasello, Anna Martorana, Attilio Ignazio Lo Monte
• Journal: Annali italiani di chirurgia (Ann Ital Chir) Vol. 85 Issue ePub (Nov 03 2014) ISSN: 2239-253X [Electronic] Italy
• PMID: 25364009 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Polypropylenes

Topics

• Hernia, Umbilical (surgery)
• Herniorrhaphy (methods)
• Humans
• Intestinal Obstruction (etiology)
• Jejunal Diseases (etiology)
• Laparoscopy
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Polypropylenes
• Prosthesis Design
• Surgical Mesh (adverse effects)