Abstract
Marlex® mesh is an excellent prosthetic material for closure of major abdominal defects. Most of its complications are seroma and infections. We have used Marlex mesh intraperitoneally for closure of burst abdomen in a patient who had a gastrectomy for recurrent duodenal ulcer. A year and a half later, this patient developed a fecal fistula to the skin due to incorporation of the Marlex mesh into the splenic flexure of the colon. The patient underwent a second operation during which the fistula was resected and the Marlex removed. We concluded that intraperitoneal placement of Marlex mesh is not recommended.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Usher FC, Gannon JP. Marlex mesh, a new plastic mesh for replacing tissue defects. I. Experimental studies. Arch Surg 1959;78:131–7.
Usher FC, Hill JR, Ochsner JL. Hernia repair with Marlex mesh: a comparison of techniques. Surgery 1959;46:718–24.
Usher FC. Hernia repair with Marlex mesh: an analysis of 541 cases. Arch Surg 1962;84:325–8.
Deitel M, Vasic V. A secure method of repair of large ventral hernias with Marlex mesh to eliminate tension. Am J Surg 1979;137:276–7.
Kaufman M, Weissberg O. Marlex mesh in giant ventral hernia repair. Isr J Med Sci 1980;16:739–42.
Larson GM, Harrower HW. Plastic mesh repair of incisional hernias. Am J Surg 1978;135:559–63.
Gilsdorf RB, Shea MM. Repairs of massive septic abdominal wall defects with Marlex mesh. Am J Surg 1975;130:634–8.
Markgraf WH. Abdominal wound dehiscence: a technique for repair with Marlex mesh. Arch Surg 1972;105:728–32.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
About this article
Cite this article
Kaufman, Z., Engelberg, M. & Zager, M. Fecal fistula: A late complication of Marlex® mesh repair. Dis Colon Rectum 24, 543–544 (1981). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02604320
Received:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02604320