Late mesh rejection as a complication to transabdominal preperitoneal laparoscopic hernia repair.

BACKGROUND

The use of a mesh in transabdominal preperitoneal laparoscopic hernia repair (TAPP) caries the risk of late rejection or infectious complications related to the mesh. The aim of this study was to describe the extent of these complications.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective study of 500 consecutive patients with TAPP for inguinal hernia.

RESULTS

Late mesh rejection was observed in three patients at 5-19 months after surgery. The mesh was removed via a suprapubic midline incision. At 3-4 month's follow-up, none of the patients had recurrence of the hernia, even though no hernia repair had been done.

CONCLUSION

Late mesh rejection is a potential complication of TAPP and has to be considered when choosing the surgical method of hernia repair.