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Hernia
Published in: Hernia 2/2021

Open Access 01-04-2021 | Incisional Hernia | Review

Measuring quality of life in patients with abdominal wall hernias: a systematic review of available tools

Authors: T. N. Grove, L. J. Muirhead, S. G. Parker, D. R. L. Brogden, S. C. Mills, C. Kontovounisios, A. C. J. Windsor, O. J. Warren

Published in: Hernia | Issue 2/2021

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Abstract

Introduction

Abdominal wall herniation (AWH) is an increasing problem for patients, surgeons, and healthcare providers. Surgical-site specific outcomes, such as infection, recurrence, and mesh explantation, are improving; however, successful repair still exposes the patient to what is often a complex major operation aimed at improving quality of life. Quality-of-life (QOL) outcomes, such as aesthetics, pain, and physical and emotional functioning, are less often and less well reported. We reviewed QOL tools currently available to evaluate their suitability.

Methods

A systematic review of the literature in compliance with PRISMA guidelines was performed between 1st January 1990 and 1st May 2019. English language studies using validated quality-of-life assessment tool, whereby outcomes using this tool could be assessed were included.

Results

Heterogeneity in the QOL tool used for reporting outcome was evident throughout the articles reviewed. AWH disease-specific tools, hernia-specific tools, and generic tools were used throughout the literature with no obviously preferred or dominant method identified.

Conclusion

Despite increasing acknowledgement of the need to evaluate QOL in patients with AWH, no tool has become dominant in this field. Assessment, therefore, of the impact of certain interventions or techniques on quality of life remains difficult and will continue to do so until an adequate standardised outcome measurement tool is available.
Appendix
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Metadata
Title
Measuring quality of life in patients with abdominal wall hernias: a systematic review of available tools
Authors
T. N. Grove
L. J. Muirhead
S. G. Parker
D. R. L. Brogden
S. C. Mills
C. Kontovounisios
A. C. J. Windsor
O. J. Warren
Publication date
01-04-2021
Publisher
Springer Paris
Published in
Hernia / Issue 2/2021
Print ISSN: 1265-4906
Electronic ISSN: 1248-9204
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10029-020-02210-w

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