Mesh Infection After Hernioplasty: Complete vs Partial Removal - Retrospective Study on Outcomes and Pathogen Analysis

A Retrospective Study: Complete vs Partial Mesh Removal for Mesh Infection After Hernioplasty - Clinical Outcomes and Pathogen Analysis

Background: Mesh infection after tension-free inguinal hernia repair (IHR) is rare and challenging. When conservative treatment fails, surgery is often required. This study compared clinical outcomes of complete versus partial mesh removal in affected patients.

Materials and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed patients who underwent surgery for mesh infection after IHR in our hospital between January 2016 and December 2025. Baseline data, perioperative indicators, postoperative complications, and microbiological results were compared between the complete and partial removal groups.

We conducted a single-center, retrospective case series analysis. We included patients who developed mesh infection after tension-free IHR and underwent surgical treatment at our center between January 2016 and December 2025. Patients with mesh infection after incisional, parastomal, or umbilical hernia repair were excluded. We also excluded patients who improved with conservative treatment and did not undergo surgery.

We collected the following data: demographic characteristics, comorbidities, laboratory and imaging results, characteristics of the primary hernia surgery, infection characteristics, intraoperative data, and postoperative outcomes. All data were entered into a standardized database. Follow-up was conducted through outpatient visits and telephone interviews. The last follow-up was on October 30, 2025.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Patients who underwent tension-free inguinal hernioplasty with mesh placement.
2. Patients diagnosed with mesh infection requiring surgical re-intervention.
3. Patients who underwent complete or partial mesh removal surgery.
4. Availability of complete medical records and follow-up data.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Patients with mesh infection managed conservatively (without surgical removal).
2. Patients with missing critical data (e.g., intraoperative findings, pathogen results, or follow-up).
3. Patients with concomitant procedures that could confound outcomes (e.g., simultaneous other hernia repair).
4. Patients lost to follow-up immediately after discharge (no postoperative assessment).