Chronic pain after mesh repair of inguinal hernia: a systematic review.
BACKGROUND
Chronic pain is a severe complication of mesh-based inguinal hernia repair. Its perceived risk varies widely in the literature. The current objectives are to review the incidence, severity, and consequences of chronic pain and its etiologies.


METHODS
A multi-database systematic search was conducted for prospective trials on mesh-based inguinal hernia repair reporting the measurement and outcome of pain at least 3 months postoperatively with a minimum follow-up of 80%.


CONCLUSIONS
After mesh-based inguinal hernia repair, 11% of patients suffer chronic pain. More than a quarter of these patients have moderate to severe pain, mostly with a neuropathic origin. As a consequence of chronic pain, almost one third of patients have limitations in daily leisure activities. Chronic pain is less frequent after endoscopic repair and with the use of a light-weighted mesh.
Nienhuijs
Simon
S
Department of Surgery, Canisius-Wilhelmina Hospital, Weg door Jonkerbos 100, 6532 SZ, Nijmegen, The Netherlands. s.nienhuijs@hccnet.nl
Staal
Erik
E
Strobbe
Luc
L
Rosman
Camiel
C
Groenewoud
Hans
H
Bleichrodt
Rob
R
D002908:Chronic Disease; D006552:Hernia, Inguinal / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D010146:Pain / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013526:Surgical Mesh / Q000009:adverse effects*