title: Aspects of hernia surgery in Wales.
abstract: The management of elective inguinal herniorrhaphy in Wales was assessed by means of a postal survey of consultant general surgeons. This included technique of repair, length of inpatient stay, follow-up, use of heparin thromboprophylaxis and advice regarding driving, strenuous activities and work. In all, 54 replies (77%) were received. The views of patients on their surgery was assessed by a questionnaire sent to 80 patients treated on a single surgical unit; 60 replies (75%) were received. Waiting times were relatively short among this group, 67.5% of patients being treated within 6 months of seeking medical advice; 16.25% suffered a complication. All wound infections occurred after discharge and 15% of patients had some groin discomfort 6 months after operation. Accuracy of clinical examination of 50 inguinal hernias by different grades of surgeon was assessed. Consultants were significantly more accurate when compared with house officers (P < 0.001). There is a wide range of repair techniques and postoperative advice practised by consultant general surgeons in Wales. Patients' main complaint was that of a sparsity of postoperative advice, although there also appears to be an appreciable postoperative morbidity. Clinical experience plays a significant role in assessment of the suitability of hernias for surgery.
authors.affiliation: Department of General Surgery, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff.
authors.forename: D E
authors.initials: DE
authors.lastname: Boyce
authors.forename: D L
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Crosby
authors.forename: A A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Shandall
mesh_terms: D017558:Elective Surgical Procedures; D005762:Gastroenterology / Q000379:methods; D006552:Hernia, Inguinal / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008505:Medical Staff, Hospital; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians' / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013537:Sutures