Survey of patients regarding experience following repair of inguinal hernias

This study aimed to determine patients’ experiences following inguinal hernia repair at a tertiary hospital and associated cottage hospital in terms of postherniorraphy pain and follow-up.

After exclusions, 373 adult patients undergoing inguinal hernia repair at Derriford and Tavistock hospitals during a 1-year period from October 2017 were sent a questionnaire regarding preoperative pain experience, current symptoms, and pain severity at 28 days and other intervals postoperatively. Statistical analysis of responses included unpaired t test to compare means and χ² test for discrete variables with a p value < 0.05 regarded as statistically significant.

The survey response rate was 68% (253/373). The mean pain score on visual analogue scale was 1.5 at 28 days postoperatively in those without preoperative pain compared to 3.2 in those with preoperative pain (p = 0.0001). Although 64 (25%) patients complained of pain at a mean follow-up of 47.9 ± 15.6 weeks, pain severity was insignificant after 28 days. Gender, employment status and mesh type did not affect pain scores. Return to normal activity after laparoscopic repair was longer than after open repair (5.4 ± 3.4 versus 4.2 ± 2.2 weeks, respectively; p = 0.0322). Overall, 34.6% thought follow-up was necessary and patients were more likely to agree with a decision not to follow them up.

This study puts postherniorrhaphy pain in perspective of preoperative pain. Active discussion with patients prior to discharge or telephone follow-up by an appropriate individual may reduce the need for hospital follow-up.