Inguinal hernia mesh infections: Chronic challenges, atypical pathogens and lessons in sterilisation.

Abstract

Chronic mesh infections after inguinal hernia repair present significant clinical challenges due to biofilm-mediated resistance, involvement of multidrug-resistant and atypical pathogens, and gaps in preventive strategies. Our case series of four patients highlights critical research gaps, including the overlooked role of atypical pathogens such as <i>Mycobacterium tuberculosis</i>, diagnostic challenges in detecting slow-growing or resistant organisms and perioperative sterilisation lapses, especially inconsistent Glutaraldehyde use during late-day operations. Many patients suffered with persistent sinuses and recurrent hernias months after surgery. Microbiological analyses identified <i>Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Mycobacterium tuberculosis</i> and mixed flora. Complete mesh removal and culture-directed antimicrobial therapy resolved all cases within 8-12 months. Our study underscores the need for robust sterilisation protocols, advanced diagnostic measures and biofilm-resistant biomaterials.