LATE-ONSET DEEP PROSTHETIC INFECTION FOLLOWING MESH REPAIR OF INGUINAL-HERNIA

BACKGROUND: The use of prosthetic biomaterials for the primary repair of inguinal hernias is now commonplace. Late-onset deep-seated prosthe tic infection can be an unexpected complication. METHODS: The literatu re from a Medline search relating to the biology of mesh in the settin g of hernia repair is discussed. CONCLUSIONS: The use of a foreign bod y for hernia repair does not appear to alter the incidence of superfic ial wound infection. Late-onset deep graft infection has been rarely r eported, and the true incidence is yet to be established. With the mor e widespread use of mesh materials, this complication may become incre asingly evident. (C) 1998 by Excerpta Medica, Inc.