Follow-up after inguinal hernia repair. Questionnaire compared with physical examination: a prospective study in 299 patients.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the value of a written questionnaire in the follow-up of patients after inguinal hernia repair.


METHODS
Prospective study.


METHODS
University and two district hospitals. The Netherlands.


METHODS
314 patients with 362 inguinal hernias.


METHODS
Correlation between answers to questionnaire and clinical examination in the diagnosis of recurrent hernias.


RESULTS
13/24 recurrences (54%) after a mean follow-up of 33 months with a follow-up rate of 93% were not diagnosed by the questionnaire.


CONCLUSIONS
Follow-up after hernia repair must be by physical examination.
Department of Surgery, Onze lieve Vrouwe Gasthuis, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
P M
PM
Vos
M P
MP
Simons
J S
JS
Luitse
D
D
van Geldere
M J
MJ
Koelemaij
H
H
Obertop
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006552:Hernia, Inguinal / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010808:Physical Examination; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012008:Recurrence; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires