Sacral osteomyelitis: an unusual complication of abdominal sacral colpopexy

Abstract

Background: Abdominal sacral colpopexy using permanent mesh is an established technique for repair of vaginal vault prolapse. Infection is not a frequent complication. We report two cases of lumbosacral osteomyelitis treated with intravenous antibiotics without mesh removal.

Cases: The first patient had known advanced degenerative arthritis. Unremitting severe low back pain 5 years after abdominal sacral colpopexy prompted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), revealing osteomyelitis and diskitis. The second patient developed symptoms 2 months postoperatively, and MRI indicated osteomyelitis with epidural abscess. Both patients received intravenous antibiotics, and neither required surgical debridement or mesh removal.

Conclusion: Osteomyelitis can present remote from the operation and can be difficult to diagnose. Protracted parenteral antibiotic therapy can be definitive treatment without mesh removal.