Management of lumbar spondylodiscitis developing after laparoscopic sacrohysteropexy with a mesh: A case report and review of the literature

INTRODUCTION: Lumbar spondylodiscitis is a rare and severe complication of laparoscopic sacrohysteropexy with a polypropylene mesh. However, a case of lumbar spondylodiscitis following laparoscopic sacrohysteropexy has not been reported so far. We present a case of lumbar spondylodiscitis following laparoscopic sacrohysteropexy with a mesh. We also discuss 33 cases of lumbar spondylodiscitis following sacral colpopexy and (or) rectopexy with a mesh. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 46-year-old woman with 3 previous vaginal deliveries underwent laparoscopic mesh sacrohysteropexy for stage III uterine prolapse. One month after surgery, the patient developed persistent symptoms, such as stiffness of the lumbosacral portion, low back pain (LBP), persistent swelling, pain between the right iliac crest and the buttock, inability to bend down, and pain in the right lower limb. Symptoms were alleviated by a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug. However, in the last 7 days, symptoms worsened and she was unable to stand or walk. The patient had very limited leg mobility. DIAGNOSIS: Blood routine examination, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the lumbar spine indicated lumbar pyogenic spondylodiscitis. INTERVENTIONS: Removal of mesh and hysterectomy via laparoscopy were performed immediately, and antibiotics were given simultaneously. However, on the basis of MRI findings and persistent symptoms, debridement, laminectomy, spinal canal decompression, bone grafting, and internal fixation via pedicle screw placement were performed 5 months after laparoscopic sacrohysteropexy. OUTCOMES: All symptoms were alleviated 5 days after the operation. The patient could stand in the erect position and raise her lower limbs within 2 weeks. She could resume her normal activities within 2 months after the operation, and her X-ray appeared normal. CONCLUSION: Persistent LBP and radiating pain may be the signals of lumbar spondylodiscitis. MRI is the gold standard diagnostic examination for lumbar spondylodiscitis. Awareness of symptoms, such as LBP and radiating pain symptoms, timely diagnosis, mesh removal, and referral to orthopedists are important to prevent more severe complications. Surgical practice needs to be improved further and any other infections should be treated immediately as the most likely causes of lumbar spondylodiscitis are related to the mesh and other infections.