Giant pseudocyst of the anterior abdominal wall following mesh repair of incisional hernia: a rare complication managed laparoscopically

Abstract

Giant pseudocyst formation of the anterior abdominal wall, following on-lay polypropylene mesh repair for incisional hernia is an under reported complication. We report an unusual case of a 56-year-old female who underwent a polypropylene mesh repair of incisional hernia 2 years back. Subsequently she developed a giant pseudocyst of the anterior abdominal wall, which was occupying the whole of the abdomen from the xiphisternum to the pubic bone, and over both the flanks. Over a period of one year, the cyst had defied multiple attempts at aspiration. The patient underwent a laparoscopic drainage of the collection with piecemeal excision of the entire cyst wall. Histopathology of the cyst wall revealed necrotic material with intervening areas of hemorrhage. No epithelial lining was seen. There has been no recurrence in the two years of follow-up.

Conclusion: giant pseudocyst of the anterior abdominal wall is a rare complication following mesh repair of an incisional hernia. Such pseudocysts can be managed successfully by laparoscopic procedures.