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World Journal of Surgery

Published in:

01-08-2014

Limited Potential for Prevention of Emergency Surgery for Femoral Hernia

Authors: Ursula Dahlstrand, Gabriel Sandblom, Staffan Wollert, Ulf Gunnarsson

Published in: World Journal of Surgery | Issue 8/2014

Abstract

Background

Femoral hernias are frequently operated on as an emergency. Emergency procedures for femoral hernia are associated with an almost tenfold increase in postoperative mortality, while no increase is seen for elective procedures, compared with a background population.

Objective

The aim of this study was to compare whether symptoms from femoral hernias and healthcare contacts prior to surgery differ between patients who have elective and patients who have emergency surgery.

Methods

A total of 1,967 individuals operated on for a femoral hernia over 1997–2006 were sent a questionnaire on symptoms experienced and contact with the healthcare system prior to surgery for their hernia. Answers were matched with data from the Swedish Hernia Register.

Results

A total of 1,441 (73.3 %) patients responded. Awareness of their hernia prior to surgery was denied by 53.3 % (231/433) of those who underwent an emergency procedure. Of the emergency operated patients, 31.3 % (135/432) negated symptoms in the affected groin prior to surgery and 22.2 % (96/432) had neither groin nor other symptoms. Elective patients had a considerably higher contact frequency with their general practitioner, as well as the surgical outpatient department, prior to surgery compared with patients undergoing emergency surgery (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Patients who have elective and patients who have emergency femoral hernia surgery differ in previous symptoms and healthcare contacts. Patients who need emergency surgery are often unaware of their hernia and frequently completely asymptomatic prior to incarceration. Early diagnosis and expedient surgery is warranted, but the lack of symptoms hinders earlier detection and intervention in most cases.

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Title: Limited Potential for Prevention of Emergency Surgery for Femoral Hernia
Authors: Ursula Dahlstrand
Gabriel Sandblom
Staffan Wollert
Ulf Gunnarsson
Publication date: 01-08-2014
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: World Journal of Surgery / Issue 8/2014
Print ISSN: 0364-2313
Electronic ISSN: 1432-2323
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00268-014-2539-6

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Limited Potential for Prevention of Emergency Surgery for Femoral Hernia

Abstract

Background

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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