Chronic sequelae of common elective groin hernia repair.
BACKGROUND
The aim of this study was to assess long-term chronic pain, numbness and functional impairment after open and laparoscopic groin hernia repair in a teaching hospital.


METHODS
We performed a cross-sectional study in which all adult patients with a groin hernia repair between January 2000 and August 2005 received a questionnaire by post. It contained questions concerning frequency and intensity of pain, presence of bulge, numbness, and functional impairment.


RESULTS
One thousand seven hundred and sixty-six questionnaires were returned (81.6%) and after a median follow-up period of nearly 3 years 40.2% of patients reported some degree of pain. Thirty-three patients (1.9%) experienced severe pain. Almost one-fourth reported numbness which correlated significantly with pain (P < 0.001). Other variables, identified as risk factors for the development of pain were age (P < 0.001) and recurrent hernia repair (P = 0.003). One-fifth of the patients felt functionally impaired in their work or leisure activities.


CONCLUSIONS
Chronic pain and functional impairment are very common long-term complications after groin herniorrhapy in Dutch teaching hospitals.
Loos
M J A
MJ
Department of Surgery, Máxima Medical Centre, De Run 4600, 5500 MB, Veldhoven, The Netherlands. M.Loos@mmc.nl
Roumen
R M H
RM
Scheltinga
M R M
MR
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D017558:Elective Surgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006552:Hernia, Inguinal / Q000601:surgery*; D006784:Hospitals, Teaching; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009426:Netherlands; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000209:etiology*; D016896:Treatment Outcome