Migration of an inguinal hernia prosthesis: case report
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.32385/rpmgf.v41i3.14167Keywords:
Abdominal wall hernia, Inguinal hernia prosthesis, MigrationAbstract
Introduction: Inguinal hernia is a type of abdominal wall hernia and is the most common surgical condition in primary health care. Local infection and development of seroma or hematoma are common complications, unlike more severe complications such as mesh migration or perforation of adjacent organs.
Case description: A 57-year-old male patient with a history of multiple abdominal wall hernia surgeries presented to the health center with pain in the left iliac region and increased flatulence, symptoms that arose after his last laparoscopic hernia repair. A colonoscopy revealed multiple diverticula and a metallic mesh obstructing the colon. A CT scan confirmed the presence of a foreign body and adjacent inflammation. He was referred to general surgery, where the presence of a foreign body in the sigmoid colon was diagnosed, due to probable migration of a hernia mesh, and surgery was scheduled. Due to worsening clinical conditions while awaiting surgery, the patient was admitted and treated for an infection related to the foreign body. After surgery and several cycles of antibiotic therapy, he suffered complications, including a postoperative infection, requiring reoperation.
Comment: This case highlights the importance of recognizing hernia mesh migration as a complication of hernia repair, a rare but highly morbid phenomenon, underscoring the need for timely detection and referral. The initial contact with the family doctor was crucial in triggering the diagnosis and the close follow-up of the patient through in-person and telephone consultations, which contributed to managing the emotional response and restoring confidence in the healthcare provided.
Downloads
References
1 Brooks DC. Overview of treatment for inguinal and femoral hernia in adults. In: UpToDate [Internet]; 2023 [updated 2023 Apr 25; cited 2024 Jul]. Available from: https://www.uptodate.com/contents/overview-of-treatment-for-inguinal-and-femoral-hernia-in-adults
2 Abebe MS, Tareke AA, Alem A, Debebe W, Beyene A. Worldwide magnitude of inguinal hernia: systematic review and meta-analysis of population-based studies. SAGE Open Med. 2022;10:20503121221139150.
3 Liu S, Zhou XX, Li L, Yu MS, Zhang H, Zhong WX, et al. Mesh migration into the sigmoid colon after inguinal hernia repair presenting as a colonic polyp: a case report and review of literature. World J Clin Cases. 2018;6(12):564-9.
4 Millas SG, Mesar T, Patel RJ. Chronic abdominal pain after ventral hernia due to mesh migration and erosion into the sigmoid colon from a distant site: a case report and review of literature. Hernia. 2015;19(5):849-52.
5 Pautrat K, Scotto B, Machet MC, Huten N, de Calan L. Migration intraluminale colique d'une prothèse de cure de hernie inguinale [Migration of a mesh prosthesis from hernia repair into the colonic lumen]. J Chir. 2004;141(6):378-80. French
6 Liedtke KR, Liedtke C, Kleinwort A, Döring P, Glitsch A, Schreiber A. Mesh migration results in asymptomatic sigmoid perforation as long-term complication after difficult TAPP: a case report. SN Compr Clin Med. 2020;2(5):681-4.
7 Cunningham HB, Weis JJ, Taveras LR, Huerta S. Mesh migration following abdominal hernia repair: a comprehensive review. Hernia. 2019;23(2):235-43.
8 Narang K, Krishan A, Pisavadia B, Wadood A, Budhoo M, Zaman S. Laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair: a rare case of colonic mesh migration. Ann R Coll Surg Engl. 2018;100(8):e1-e4.
9 Gandhi D, Marcin S, Xin Z, Asha B, Kaswala D, Zamir B. Chronic abdominal pain secondary to mesh erosion into cecum following incisional hernia repair: a case report and literature review. Ann Gastroenterol. 2011;24(4):321-4.
10 Agrawal A, Avill R. Mesh migration following repair of inguinal hernia: a case report and review of literature. Hernia. 2006;10(1):79-82.
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Portuguese Journal of Family Medicine and General Practice
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
The authors will assign to the RPMGF the sole right to publish and distribute the content of the manuscript specified in this declaration via physical, electronic, broadcasting or any other medium that may come into existence. They also grant the RPMGF the right to use and exploit this manuscript, in particular by assigning, selling or licensing its content. This permission is permanent and takes effect from the moment the manuscript is submitted, has the maximum duration allowed by applicable Portuguese or international law and is of worldwide scope. The authors further declare that this assignment is made free of charge. If the RPMGF informs the authors that it is not going to publish their manuscript, the exclusive assignment of rights ceases forthwith.
The authors authorise the RPMGF (or any entity it may appoint) to act on their behalf when it believes that copyright may have been infringed.
