Trusses in the management of hernia today.

In the UK an estimated 40,000 trusses are issued annually. The rate of 700 per million is higher than that presently found in other countries and may be because of reduced access to surgery. Despite the high use of trusses little has been published on their effectiveness, complication rates and value. This review summarizes current knowledge, and concludes that further studies on the benefits and effectiveness of trusses need to be performed to enable patients to receive appropriate advice and guidance.