Introduction:

Polypropylene mesh hernioplasty is the technique of choice for the repair of inguinal hernias. Currently, there is controversy about this technique in patients with dirty or contaminated wounds. However, evidence in the medical literature has shown its use can be safe. The authors present their experience in the use of polypropylene meshes in contaminated surgery to close inguinal hernias.

Methods:

A retrospective observational study was conducted in patients older than 18 year-old between January 2017 and December 2018. Were included those with inguinal hernias, requiring emergency surgical treatment, and presented contaminated or dirty wounds. The inclusion criteria were infection of the surgical wound, the need for removal of the mesh removal and recurrence of the hernia.

Results:

Ten patients underwent emergency surgery, requiring bowel resection for necrosis: nine of them for strangulated hernias and, one for perforated appendicitis. In one of the ten patients, the wound was considered dirty due to intestinal necrosis and perforation. The remaining nine had intestinal necrosis without perforation, so they were considered contaminated wounds. Wound infection occurred in 1/10 patients (10%) with superficial operative site infection; mesh removal was not necessary in any patient during the entire study period. No recurrence was observed and there was no mortality.

Conclusion:

The use of polypropylene mesh for the correction of inguinal hernias in patients with contaminated and dirty wounds is effective and safe, with acceptable morbidity and good short-term results.

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