Ileocutaneous fistula formation following laparoscopic polypropylene mesh hernia repair

A rare case of enterocutaneous fistula caused by chronic erosion of polypropylene mesh after laparoscopic repair of a recurrent inguinal hernia is described. Successful treatment was achieved by fistulectomy, total resection of the implanted mesh, and small-bowel segmental resection. The patient recovered well postoperatively, and at follow-up 18 months later, the herniorrhaphy has remained intact. This complication needs to be added to the differential diagnosis in patients who present inflammation, abscess formation, or cutaneous fistula following laparoscopic hernia repair. Received: 7 October 1996/Accepted: 14 October 1996