Enterocutaneous fistula from a mesh eroding the small bowel after incisional hernia repair: A case report

Abstract

Tension-free hernia repair with mesh reinforcement has become the standard of care in hernia surgery. Mesh eroding the bowel with enterocutaneous fistula is a rare and serious complication. We present a case of a 46-year-old obese man with abdominal wall abscess who developed enterocutaneous fistula due to the erosion of the small bowel from a bioabsorbable coated mesh after incisional hernia repair. We discuss the biological response to hernia repair meshes as well as this challenging to treat, early or late complication of hernia surgery.