Conclusions  Most of the infections requiring mesh removal were related to prolonged repair operations that presented untreated early postoperative wound complications. Partial extraction of meshes frequently leads to failures and complications. Surgical exploration should be performed under general anaesthesia to accomplish complete mesh extraction. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticleDOI 10.1007/s10029-009-0541-yAuthors M. J. Tolino, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires Department of Surgery, Sanatorio “Franchín” Buenos Aires ArgentinaD. E. Tripoloni, Hospital “Dr. Julio Méndez”, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires Department of Surgery Buenos Aires ArgentinaR. Ratto, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires Department of Pathology, Hospital “Dr. Julio ...