Audit of referral patterns for hernia repair - are general practitioners aware of the changing face of herniorrhaphy?
BACKGROUND
The objective of this study was to examine referral patterns from general practitioners for groin hernia surgery and to assess their knowledge of services available to their patients.


METHODS
An anonymous postal questionnaire was sent to 120 general practitioners (GPs) in the South East Wales region who routinely refer patients for inguinal hernia surgery to the Royal Gwent Healthcare NHS Trust.


RESULTS
A total of 86 questionnaire replies were returned. There was variation in referral patterns between the GPs with the majority (84%) referring their patients for groin hernia repair to either a general surgeon or as an open referral. Only 14% referred directly to a hernia specialist and none regularly referred to a laparoscopic surgeon.


CONCLUSIONS
Referral patterns for inguinal hernia surgery do not reflect services provided in secondary care. Further education is required so that a patient's care can be optimised.
Coulston
J E
JE
Department of General Surgery, Royal Gwent Hospital, Gwent Healthcare NHS Trust, Gwent, UK. jamescoulston@yahoo.co.uk
Williams
G L
GL
Stephenson
B M
BM
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006552:Hernia, Inguinal / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D010821:Physicians, Family; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000592:standards*; D014852:Wales