Aggressive surgery for incisional hernia with necrotizing soft tissue infection highlighting unique abdominal findings

Background

Surgery for incisional hernias with obesity can be more challenging because obesity is associated with perioperative complications. Necrotizing soft tissue infection (NSTI) is a life-threatening condition that requires aggressive surgical management. Few incisional hernias with NSTI have been reported, and the optimal strategy is undetermined.

Case Presentation

A 66-year-old obese woman had been diagnosed with incisional hernia 4 years previously but was not treated. She presented with abdominal pain that had worsened 2 weeks previously. Emergency radical surgery was carried out for an incisional hernia with NSTI. The abdominal fascia was sutured directly without mesh. Negative pressure wound therapy was performed after surgery. The postoperative course was uneventful, without recurrence.

Conclusions

Aggressive surgery is a valid strategy for life-threatening incisional hernias with NSTI. Strategies should be developed based on physiological and anatomical findings.