Our Summary

This research paper looks at the long-term effects of a common type of hernia repair surgery, specifically the Lichtenstein inguinal hernia repair. The researchers contacted patients who had this surgery over the last 10 years and asked them about their pain levels and how it has affected their quality of life.

The results showed that about 17% of patients reported chronic pain after the surgery, with a 3% chance of the hernia coming back. This was observed on average around 6 years after the surgery. Interestingly, younger patients reported higher levels of pain, and the further away the patient was from their surgery date, the less pain they experienced. However, the pain levels reported were relatively low.

The researchers conclude that these long-term effects should be taken into account when advising patients about this surgery. This could help set realistic expectations about the surgery outcome and better manage the patient’s experience post-surgery.

FAQs

  1. What is the Lichtenstein inguinal hernia repair surgery?
  2. What percentage of patients reported chronic pain after the Lichtenstein inguinal hernia repair surgery?
  3. How does the time since surgery affect the pain levels experienced by patients?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might give a patient about hernia repair is to follow the post-operative care instructions provided by the surgeon carefully. This may include avoiding heavy lifting, staying active to promote healing, and taking prescribed pain medication as needed. It is also important to attend follow-up appointments with the surgeon to monitor recovery progress and address any concerns promptly. By following these guidelines, patients can help ensure a successful and smooth recovery after hernia repair surgery.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended hernia repair surgery are those who are experiencing symptoms such as pain, discomfort, and bulging in the affected area. Inguinal hernias are the most common type of hernia and are more common in men than women. Patients with inguinal hernias may experience a bulge in the groin area that may be painful or uncomfortable, especially when coughing, bending over, or lifting heavy objects.

Other types of hernias that may require surgery include umbilical hernias, femoral hernias, and incisional hernias. Patients with these types of hernias may also experience symptoms such as pain, discomfort, and bulging in the affected area.

Overall, patients who are experiencing symptoms related to their hernia and are healthy enough to undergo surgery are typically recommended hernia repair. It is important for patients to discuss their symptoms and treatment options with their healthcare provider to determine if hernia repair surgery is the best course of action for their individual situation.

Timeline

Before hernia repair:

  1. Patient experiences symptoms of a hernia, such as a bulge in the affected area, pain or discomfort, and potential complications like strangulation.
  2. Patient consults with a healthcare provider, who confirms the diagnosis of a hernia and discusses treatment options, including surgery.
  3. Patient undergoes pre-operative evaluations and tests to assess their overall health and fitness for surgery.
  4. Surgery date is scheduled, and patient receives instructions on pre-operative preparations, such as fasting and medication management.

After hernia repair:

  1. Patient undergoes hernia repair surgery, such as the Lichtenstein inguinal hernia repair.
  2. Patient is monitored post-operatively for any complications and is discharged from the hospital once stable.
  3. Patient follows post-operative care instructions, such as wound care, pain management, and activity restrictions.
  4. Patient gradually resumes normal activities and follows up with their healthcare provider for post-operative appointments.
  5. Patient experiences a decrease in pain and improvement in symptoms as they recover from surgery.
  6. Long-term follow-up assessments are conducted to monitor for any complications or chronic pain post-surgery.
  7. Patient reports any ongoing pain or discomfort to their healthcare provider, who may recommend further treatment or management strategies.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about hernia repair include:

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with hernia repair surgery?
  2. What is the expected recovery time after hernia repair surgery?
  3. What type of hernia repair procedure will be used and why?
  4. How likely is it that the hernia will come back after surgery?
  5. What are the long-term effects or potential complications of hernia repair surgery?
  6. What can be done to manage or reduce the risk of chronic pain after hernia repair surgery?
  7. How soon can I return to normal activities or work after hernia repair surgery?
  8. Are there any lifestyle changes or precautions I should take after hernia repair surgery to prevent recurrence?
  9. Are there any alternative treatment options for hernia repair that I should consider?
  10. Can I speak to other patients who have undergone hernia repair surgery to hear about their experiences?

Reference

Authors: Moreton ML, Truter A. Journal: Hernia. 2023 Feb;27(1):71-76. doi: 10.1007/s10029-022-02701-y. Epub 2022 Nov 5. PMID: 36334162