Rajendra Damera* and Sudhavatchala Geddati
Objective: In the modern practice of usage of laparoscopy to repair different types of Ventral Hernias (VHs). A study was conducted to evaluate Mesh Infection (MI) rate and other complications during VH repair with proper pre, intra-operative and post-operative protocol.
Methods: It was a prospective observational study, conducted in GMR Varalakshmi Care Hospital, from January 2015 to 2020. The study protocol was approved by the institutional Ethics committee. VH individuals with controlled glycemic status, aged 16years-70years, fit for General Anesthesia (GA). Proper preoperative, intraoperative, and post-operative care practices were followed. Along with routine antibiotic coverage, all the participants were on Azithromycin prophylaxis to prevent atypical mycobacterial infection. Gas Plasma sterilization (PS) was used for the sterilization of the surgical instruments. Change of gloves done for every case before handling mesh. The patients were discharged after 4 days. During this period, they were monitored thoroughly for complications. Simultaneously, they were asked to come for follow-up at regular intervals for 1 year. The complications were recorded and treated as per the protocol.
Results: A total 255 (100%) VH cases were included, and intermediate complications were identified in 1.56%. The rate of Late Complications (LCs) was 15 (5.88%). In LCs, seroma is the predominant (3.13%) followed by recurrence 6 (2.35%) and mesh infection 1 (0.39%).
Conclusion: Following proper sterilization protocol, antibiotic prophylaxis with Azithromycin, and practices such as a change of gloves before handling mesh can significantly reduce the rate of infection in VH patients those were repaired by laparoscopy technique.
