Mesh plug erosion into the small intestine after inguinal hernia repair: A case report

Figure 1 Ultrasonography identified a locally discontinuous band of strong echo in the abdominal wall of the right inguinal area. An inhomogeneous echo mass (dimensions: 3.9 cm ×1.5 cm) was detected on its deep surface.

Figure 2 Computed tomography revealed a circinate high-density image with short segmental thickening of the ileum stuck to the abdominal wall (orange arrow) with no evidence of recurrent inguinal hernia.

Figure 3 During surgery. A: Adhesion of the ileum loop to the right inguinal abdominal wall; B: Migration of the polypropylene mesh plug (MP) into the intra-peritoneal cavity; C: The internal ring was 1.0 cm in diameter, but no hernia sac was found; D: Specimen examination revealed erosion of the iliac wall due to the MP.

Figure 4 Postoperative pathology showed chronic inflammatory changes in the small intestine mucosa, with focal granulomatous tissue formation, and focal abscess in the serosa.