Diagnosis of mesh infection after abdominal wall hernia surgery - Role of radionuclide methods

Abstract

Background/Aims: The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the role of detection of late mesh infection following incisional hernia repair with radiolabeled antigranulocyte antibodies. Methodology: Mesh infection diagnoses were set up with clinical examination and laboratory analysis and confirmed by ultrasonography (US), computerized tomography (CT), scintigraphy with 99mTc-antigranulocyte antibodies and microbiological examination. Results: Of the 17 patients investigated, 6 had a late mesh infection, and 11 had both mesh infection and recurrent incisional hernia. Clear clinical signs of late mesh infection were present in 13 patients. Four remaining patients had non-specific discomfort and recurrent incisional hernia without clinical manifestation of mesh infection ("silent infection"). US was positive in 12/17 patients, CT in 13/17 patients, while scintigraphy with antigranulocyte antibodies in 17/17 patients. Therefore, sensitivity of US was 71%, of CT 76% and of scintigraphy 100%. In four patients late mesh infection was confirmed exclusively by 99mTc-antigranulocyte antibody scintigraphy, while US and CT did not indicate the infection. Conclusions: According to the present results, scintigraphy with 99mTc antigranulocyte antibodies is a useful method for the detection of "silent" abdominal wall infections after surgery, which is very important for prompt and appropriate therapy. © H.G.E. Update Medical Publishing S.A.