Fecal fistula: A late complication of Marlex® mesh repair

Marlex^® mesh is an excellent prosthetic material for closure of major abdominal defects. Most of its complications are seroma and infections. We have used Marlex mesh intraperitoneally for closure of burst abdomen in a patient who had a gastrectomy for recurrent duodenal ulcer. A year and a half later, this patient developed a fecal fistula to the skin due to incorporation of the Marlex mesh into the splenic flexure of the colon. The patient underwent a second operation during which the fistula was resected and the Marlex removed. We concluded that intraperitoneal placement of Marlex mesh is not recommended.