Observational Cohort Study on the Use of a Slowly Fully Resorbable Synthetic Mesh (Phasix™) in the Treatment of Complex Abdominal Wall Pathology with Different Grades of Contamination.

PURPOSE: Abdominal wall hernia repair in contaminated cases remains a therapeutic challenge due to the high risk of post-operative surgical site occurrences (SSO). Slowly resorbable synthetic (biosynthetic) meshes have recently been introduced and may offer unique advantages when challenged with bacterial colonization during abdominal wall reconstruction. METHODS: A multicenter single-arm retrospective observational cohort study examined all consecutive patients in whom a poly-4-hydroxybutyrate mesh (Phasix™ or Phasix™ ST; Becton Dickinson, Franklin Lakes, NJ, USA) was used for the repair of an inguinal or ventral/incisional hernia, or to replace an infected synthetic mesh. Patient records were analyzed according to the level of contamination, using the classification score of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The primary objective was to evaluate short-term postoperative morbidity by assessing SSOs and the need for reoperation or even mesh excision. RESULTS: A total of 47 patients were included. The median age was 68 years (30-87), the male/female ratio was 26/21, and the median BMI was 26.5 kg/m2 (16.4-46.8). There were 17 clean cases, 17 clean-contaminated, 6 contaminated and 7 dirty. Median follow-up time was 48 days. An SSO was seen in 4 clean (23.5%), 7 clean-contaminated (41.2%), 2 contaminated (33.3%) and 5 dirty cases (71.4%). A surgical site occurrence requiring procedural intervention (SSOPI) was seen in 2 clean (11.8%), 3 clean-contaminated (17.6%), 1 contaminated (16.7%) and 2 dirty cases (28.6%). Hernia recurrence was seen in 1 clean (5.9%), 2 clean-contaminated (11.8%) and 3 dirty cases (42.9%). Mesh excision had to be performed in only one case in the contaminated group. CONCLUSION: The Phasix™ mesh shows promising short-term results when used in contaminated hernia-related surgery. Even in contaminated or dirty conditions, with or without infection of the mesh, resection of the mesh only had to be performed once and patients could be managed either conservatively or by relatively minor reoperations. However, further research is needed to fully evaluate the safety and efficacy of these meshes.

[Purulent peritonitis due to gonococcal infection]. / Purulente peritonitis door een gonokokkeninfectie.

BACKGROUND A Neisseria gonorrhoea infection is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases and can present both urogenitally and extragenitally. CASE DESCRIPTION A 55-year-old woman presented at the emergency room with general malaise, abdominal pain and fever. Despite extensive surgical, gynaecological and radiological investigations no clear cause could initially be found. She was subsequently admitted to the surgical unit for observation. During the admission period the patient developed diffuse peritonitis and her infection parameters were rising. Diagnostic laparoscopy revealed extensive terminal ileitis with a reactive infiltrate of the uterine fundus and purulent peritonitis. A PCR test of the abdominal exudate was strongly positive for Neisseria gonorrhoeae, but cultures remained negative. Following an 8-day course of antibiotic treatment with intravenous ceftriaxone, the patient recovered from her symptoms. CONCLUSION Terminal ileitis with peritonitis is an unusual extragenital manifestation of a gonococcal infection. In order to make a diagnosis, surgical exploration with cultures is sometimes indicated.