SJLA_2024_A16: Unusual Complications of Open Preperitoneal Tension-Free Inguinal Hernia Repair
Authors: AlGhazal Thabet 
Published: September 2024

Background:

The purpose of this study is to report two patients referred to our hospital after developing unusual complications attributed to prior open preperitoneal tension-free inguinal hernia repair.

Methods:

Case # 1 A 75-year-old male developed a left proximal thigh abscess requiring incision and drainage 5 years after open prosthetic, preperitoneal inguinal hernia repair with single-layer mesh. A pelvic computed tomography (CT) scan demonstrated an abscess in the left inguinal preperitoneal space as well as diverticulosis but no diverticulitis. A colonoscopy was negative for any additional findings. The patient underwent groin exploration, debridement of the inguinal canal and sinus tract, and mesh resection followed by JP drain placement. The inguinal defect was repaired utilizing the should ice technique. Intraoperative cultures revealed penicillin-resistant Staphylococcus
aureus. The drain was removed on postoperative day nine, and his recovery remains uneventful without hernia recurrence or infectious complications at 11-month follow-up. Case # 2 An 82-year-old man developed progressive left lower extremity edema and disabling claudication 1 month after open prosthetic inguinal hernia repair with a bilayer disc mesh. Venous duplex imaging revealed compression of the left common femoral and external iliac veins. A CT angiogram demonstrated left external iliac and common femoral artery thrombosis and a 5.2 cm fluid collection consistent with hematoma. An inferior vena cava filter was placed. The common femoral artery was controlled after initial exploration revealed a common femoral artery pseudoaneurysm. The mesh was densely adherent to the external iliac vein and was thus not resected. The common femoral artery pseudoaneurysm was repaired and the profunda femoris artery over sewn. An external iliac to superficial femoral artery 8 mm Polytetrafluoroethylene bypass graft was placed. The patient was discharged on systemic anticoagulation without claudication on postoperative day thirteen.

Results:

Laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair and novel, open techniques and mesh devices have popularized the placement of mesh in the preperitoneal space. Acute, severe vascular complications and latent infectious complications can occur after open, preperitoneal tension-free inguinal hernia repair and may require remedial surgery. CT scans and angiogram pictures are available.

Discussion:

Laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair and novel, open techniques and mesh devices have popularized the placement of mesh in the preperitoneal space. Acute, severe vascular complications and latent infectious complications can occur after open, preperitoneal tension-free inguinal hernia repair and may require remedial surgery. CT scans and angiogram pictures are available.

Conclusion:

Laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair and novel, open techniques and mesh devices have popularized the placement of mesh in the preperitoneal space. Acute, severe vascular complications and latent infectious complications can occur after open, preperitoneal tension-free inguinal hernia repair and may require remedial surgery. CT scans and angiogram pictures are available.