Sacral osteomyelitis: an unusual complication of abdominal sacral colpopexy.

Journal Article (Journal Article)

Background

Abdominal sacral colpopexy using permanent mesh is an established technique for repair of vaginal vault prolapse. Infection is not a frequent complication. We report two cases of lumbosacral osteomyelitis treated with intravenous antibiotics without mesh removal.

Cases

The first patient had known advanced degenerative arthritis. Unremitting severe low back pain 5 years after abdominal sacral colpopexy prompted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), revealing osteomyelitis and diskitis. The second patient developed symptoms 2 months postoperatively, and MRI indicated osteomyelitis with epidural abscess. Both patients received intravenous antibiotics, and neither required surgical debridement or mesh removal.

Conclusion

Osteomyelitis can present remote from the operation and can be difficult to diagnose. Protracted parenteral antibiotic therapy can be definitive treatment without mesh removal.

Full Text

Duke Authors

Cited Authors

  • Weidner, AC; Cundiff, GW; Harris, RL; Addison, WA

Published Date

  • October 1997

Published In

Volume / Issue

  • 90 / 4 Pt 2

Start / End Page

  • 689 - 691

PubMed ID

  • 11770599

Electronic International Standard Serial Number (EISSN)

  • 1873-233X

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

  • 0029-7844

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.1016/s0029-7844(97)00306-2

Language

  • eng