Successful conservative treatment of a candida albicans intraperitoneal mesh infection following laparoscopic ventral hernia repair

Introduction: Fungal mesh infections are a poorly documented complication following abdominal wall hernia repairs. Case report: We report the case of a 65-year-old female with a Candida albicans mesh infection after laparoscopic emergency repair of a large para-umbilical hernia. She was treated conservatively with antifungal therapy and regular washouts. Discussion: Mesh infections are notoriously difficult to treat and frequently require removal of the mesh. The most common pathogens are Staphylococcus species. Fungal mesh infections are uncommon and their treatment is not well documented in the literature. Conclusion: It is possible to treat candida albicans infection of intraperitoneal mesh without the need for surgical debridement or mesh removal by antifungal therapy and regular washouts alone.