BACKGROUND: Chronic groin symptoms after inguinal hernia repair are recognised as a frustrating problem for patients and surgeons alike. The aim of our study was to determine the frequency and severity of groin symptoms 5-7 years after a 'modified' mesh-plug inguinal hernia repair. METHODS: Male patients undergoing a 'modified' mesh plug inguinal hernioplasty in 2002 and 2004 were investigated by means of a 'patient friendly' questionnaire evaluating the frequency and severity of groin 'discomfort' and 'pain'. RESULTS: Two hundred consecutive unselected men who had a hernia repair in 2002 (n = 89) and 2004 (n = 111) were sent a questionnaire of which 57% and 78%, respectively, replied. Significant groin discomfort, irrespective of frequency was described by three (6%) and four (5%) patients, respectively. Significant groin pain of varying severity and frequency was documented by five (6%) patients 5 years after operation and in two or 4% of patients 7 years after surgery. Overall, only four patients (3%) said their symptoms restricted their daily activity. Excluding 13 patients who had already had inguinal surgery on the other side, over 99% (105/106) of our respondents would undergo a similar future procedure on the opposite groin. This included all but one of those who had described discomfort or pain after their hernioplasty. CONCLUSION: Significant restricting groin symptoms were uncommon. None of our patients would decline similar surgery on a contralateral hernia, suggesting a negligible impact of symptoms on their daily lives. A well dissected 'modified' mesh plug inguinal hernioplasty is associated with minimal chronic groin symptoms 5-7 years later.
BACKGROUND: Chronic groin symptoms after inguinal hernia repair are recognised as a frustrating problem for patients and surgeons alike. The aim of our study was to determine the frequency and severity of groin symptoms 5-7 years after a 'modified' mesh-plug inguinal hernia repair. METHODS: Male patients undergoing a 'modified' mesh plug inguinal hernioplasty in 2002 and 2004 were investigated by means of a 'patient friendly' questionnaire evaluating the frequency and severity of groin 'discomfort' and 'pain'. RESULTS: Two hundred consecutive unselected men who had a hernia repair in 2002 (n = 89) and 2004 (n = 111) were sent a questionnaire of which 57% and 78%, respectively, replied. Significant groin discomfort, irrespective of frequency was described by three (6%) and four (5%) patients, respectively. Significant groin pain of varying severity and frequency was documented by five (6%) patients 5 years after operation and in two or 4% of patients 7 years after surgery. Overall, only four patients (3%) said their symptoms restricted their daily activity. Excluding 13 patients who had already had inguinal surgery on the other side, over 99% (105/106) of our respondents would undergo a similar future procedure on the opposite groin. This included all but one of those who had described discomfort or pain after their hernioplasty. CONCLUSION: Significant restricting groin symptoms were uncommon. None of our patients would decline similar surgery on a contralateral hernia, suggesting a negligible impact of symptoms on their daily lives. A well dissected 'modified' mesh plug inguinal hernioplasty is associated with minimal chronic groin symptoms 5-7 years later.
Authors: Simon Nienhuijs; Erik Staal; Luc Strobbe; Camiel Rosman; Hans Groenewoud; Rob Bleichrodt Journal: Am J Surg Date: 2007-09 Impact factor: 2.565
Authors: J Dalenbäck; C Andersson; B Anesten; S Björck; S Eklund; O Magnusson; G Rimbäck; B Stenquist; N Wedel Journal: Hernia Date: 2008-11-13 Impact factor: 4.739