Antimicrobial-Impregnated Surgical Incise Drapes in the Prevention of Mesh Infection after Ventral Hernia Repair

Abstract

At our institution, antimicrobial-impregnated incise drapes are most likely to be used by the highest-volume hernia repair surgeons and more experienced residents in clean, elective, laparoscopic cases. However, reduction in the mesh infection rate was not observed with their use. Independent predictors of mesh infection included repeat surgery, smoking, and longer operating time. The time from operation to mesh infection differed greatly. Not unexpectedly, mesh infection within seven days after implantation was strongly related to a missed enterotomy.