[Repair of inguinal hernia in the elderly. Results of the plug-and-patch repair with special reference to quality of life].

In a prospective study the perioperative results of plug-and-patch repair were investigated in patients > or = 65 years, and quality of life was assessed using the SF36 preoperatively and 3 months after the procedure in 34 consecutive patients. From August 1994 to February 1999 147 patients with a mean age of 73 +/- 5 years (65-92 years) were operated on using the plug-and-patch technique, mostly under local anesthesia (LA: n = 124, 84%, ITN: n = 23, 16%). Preoperative risk factors were alcohol consumption, hypertonus, diabetes mellitus, ischemic heart disease, smoking, cerebrovascular disease, hyperlipidaemia and pulmonary disease. Most of the patients were ASA II (ASA I: n = 14, 9%, ASA II: n = 82, 56%, ASA III: n = 51, 35%). No intraoperative complications occurred, postoperative complications consisted of superficial wound hematoma (n = 6, 3.7%) and infection (n = 1, 0.6%), seroma (n = 7, 3.8%), urinary retention (n = 3, 1.8%) and ilioguinal pain syndrome (n = 3, 3.8%). The total amount of postoperative analgesic consumption was 4.9 +/- 1.8 g Novalgin for about 4 +/- 3 days. The duration of postoperative hospitalization was 2 +/- 1 days and limitation of daily activities 6 +/- 3 days. Clinical examinations after 3 months revealed no recurrence or late complications. Investigation of quality of life showed a significant improvement in the SF36 domains of physical activity, pain, vitality, and social functioning after the operation. No significant change was observed for physical, emotional, and global health.