Abstract

MORALES G, JUAN L et al. Infection of hernia sac of complicated abdominal hernias. Rev Chil Cir [online]. 2009, vol.61, n.5, pp. 448-452. ISSN 0718-4026.  doi: 10.4067/S0718-40262009000500009.

Background: When a complicated hernia is operated, there may be a higher risk of infection when a mesh is placed in a place potentially colonized by intestinal bacteria translocated from the gut. Aim: To perform a microbiological study of the hernia sac of patients subjected to emergency surgery due to complicated hernias. Material and Methods: Prospective study of patients operated for complicated abdominal hernias. Prior to the repair, a culture was obtained from the exposed sac. A portion of this sac was excised and cultured also. Results: Forty one patients aged 46 to 88 years (30 females) were studied. Only one sac tissue sample culture was positive. In six patients, the sac surface cultures disclosed coagulase negative Staphiloccocus. These patients did not receive antimicrobial therapy and although a mesh was placed, no comphcation was recorded. It is possible that these positive cultures were due to contamination of samples. Conclusions: From a microbiological point of view it is safe to place a mesh during the repair of complicated hernias.

Keywords : Complicated hernia; infection; mesh.