Complete mesh migration into the small bowel after incisional hernia repair. A case report and literature review

INTRODUCTION: Mesh migration into the intestine is very rare after incisional hernia repair. CASE REPORT: We report the case of transmural mesh migration from the abdominal wall into the small bowel presenting as recurrent small bowel obstruction 18 years after repeated surgical repair of an incisional ventral hernia. At surgery, a mesh was found inside the resected ileal loop. DISCUSSION: Mesh migration into the intestine is a possible, although very rare, complication after incisional hernia repair with nonabsorbable meshes. It tends to occur late with obstructive symptoms, especially if the small intestine is involved. Avoiding the direct contact between the mesh and the intestinal wall may help to reduce this complication.