Topical antimicrobial treatment of mesh for the reduction of surgical site infections after hernia repair: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Purpose: Use of mesh is essential in hernia repair. A common complication after hernia repair is surgical site infection (SSI), which poses a risk in spreading to the mesh, possibly causing mesh infection. Topical antimicrobial pretreatment of mesh may potentially reduce SSI risk in hernia repair and has shown promising results in in vitro and in vivo studies. Clinical evidence, however, is more important. This systematic review aims to provide an overview of available clinical evidence for antimicrobial pretreated mesh in hernia repair surgery to reduce SSI.

Methods: We report in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. CENTRAL, EMBASE, CINAHL and PubMed were searched up to October 2023 for studies that investigated the use of antimicrobial pretreated mesh on SSI incidence in adults undergoing hernia repair. The primary outcome was SSI incidence. We also collected data on pathogen involvement, hernia recurrence, and mesh infection. A meta-analysis on SSI risk and GRADE-assessment was performed of eligible studies.

Results: We identified 11 eligible studies (n = 2660 patients); 5 randomized trials and 6 cohort studies. Investigated interventions included pre-coated mesh, antibiotic carriers, mesh soaked or irrigated with antibiotic or antiseptic solution. Meta-analysis showed no significant reduction in SSI for antibiotic pretreated polypropylene mesh (RR 0.76 [95% CI 0.27; 2.09]; I 50%).

Conclusion: Data on topical mesh pretreatment to reduce SSI risk after hernia repair is limited. Very low certainty evidence from randomized trials in hernia repair surgery shows no significant benefit for antibiotic mesh pretreatment for SSI reduction, but data are imprecise due to optimal information size not being met.