Convalescence after inguinal herniorrhaphy.
BACKGROUND
The aim of this investigation was to evaluate factors influencing the length of convalescence after ambulant inguinal hernia repair.


METHODS
One hundred and twenty-three patients were followed up to assess when they returned to work, considered that they had regained full working capacity, and resumed leisure time activities. The length of sick leave was recommended on the basis of the load of the occupation.


RESULTS
Half of the patients had a longer sick leave than recommended by the surgeon. Active and heavy work showed an independent significant positive correlation to the length of sick leave. Median sick leave among these patients was 42 days, which was the time they considered that they had regained full working capacity and 1 week after they had resumed their leisure time activities. Median sick leave among patients with sedentary or moderately active work was 9 days before regaining full working capacity and 12 days before resuming leisure time activities.


CONCLUSIONS
Other factors than load of work and surgeon's advice seem to play a role in the patient's decision about when to resume normal activities on the job.
Thorup
J
J
Dept. of Surgical Gastroenterology D, Herlev Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.
Jørgensen
T
T
Kjaergaard
J
J
Billesbølle
P
P
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000556:Ambulatory Surgical Procedures; D003289:Convalescence; D005260:Female; D006552:Hernia, Inguinal / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009790:Occupations; D011446:Prospective Studies; D018582:Sick Leave / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D013997:Time Factors