[A giant pseudocyst following repair of an incisional hernia by a propylene mesh]

Abstract

A 79-year-old woman presented with a huge, asymptomatic, balloon-like abdomen, which gradually developed after polypropylene mesh repair of an incisional hernia following a median laparotomy. Additional CT showed a huge cyst measuring 20 x 24 cm which seemed to originate from the anterior abdominal wall and lacked communication with the inner abdominal space. Subsequently an explorative laparotomy was performed. The content of the cyst consisted of dark brown serosanguineous material. The inferior portion was firmly affixed to the mesh. The entire cyst, except for the part fixed to the mesh, was excised followed by an abdominoplasty. Histological examination showed aspecific signs of inflammation due to a foreign body, and haemorrhagic material without epithelial lining. The diagnosis 'giant pseudocyst' was established. Etiologically, this condition is probably related to postoperative formation of a seroma, which is a well-known complication after mesh repair, especially when a polypropylene mesh is used. Postoperative formation of a haematoma might be a causative factor as well. Former literature reports 11 cases of such giant cyst formation after mesh repair ofhernias. In one study a prevalence of 0.45% is mentioned. This complication may be an underreported phenomenon.