Our Summary

This research paper focuses on creating a standardized way to describe patients undergoing surgery to repair a hernia near their stoma (an artificial opening on the body for discharge of bodily waste). This area of medicine lacks a lot of concrete evidence and the patients themselves vary greatly, leading to inconsistencies in how their conditions and treatments are reported.

The researchers came up with a long list of potential descriptors, or characteristics, by reviewing previous studies. They talked to patients who have experienced this kind of hernia repair, as well as different types of surgeons, to get their input.

They then used a method called the Delphi process, which involves several rounds of surveys to collect and refine the group’s opinion. The surgeons rated the importance of different descriptors, and any that met a certain threshold made it to the final list.

After three rounds of this process, they came up with a list of 19 key descriptors, covering eight different areas including the patient’s anatomy, disease, previous treatment, risk factors, symptoms, treatment pathway, and other hernia related issues.

The researchers believe that this standardized set of descriptors will help in reporting future studies on this type of hernia repair.

FAQs

  1. What is the purpose of creating a standardized way to describe patients undergoing hernia repair near their stoma?
  2. What is the Delphi process and how was it used in this research?
  3. What are some examples of the 19 key descriptors identified for describing hernia repair patients?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about hernia repair is to follow the post-operative instructions carefully to ensure proper healing and reduce the risk of complications. This may include avoiding heavy lifting, following a specific diet, taking prescribed medications, and attending follow-up appointments. It is important to communicate any concerns or changes in symptoms to your healthcare provider promptly.

Suitable For

In general, patients who are recommended hernia repair are those who are experiencing symptoms such as pain, discomfort, or swelling in the area of the hernia. Additionally, patients with a hernia that is causing complications such as bowel obstruction or strangulation may also be recommended for surgery.

Other factors that may influence the decision to recommend hernia repair include the size of the hernia, the patient’s overall health and medical history, and the potential risks associated with leaving the hernia untreated. Ultimately, the decision to undergo hernia repair is made on a case-by-case basis by a healthcare provider in consultation with the patient.

Timeline

Before hernia repair, a patient may experience symptoms such as pain, discomfort, bulging near the stoma, and difficulty with daily activities. They may have tried conservative treatments such as wearing support garments or modifying their activities, but these have not provided long-term relief. The patient may have also undergone previous surgeries or treatments for their hernia.

After hernia repair, the patient can expect a recovery period where they may experience pain, swelling, and limited mobility. They will need to follow post-operative instructions such as avoiding heavy lifting, taking pain medication as prescribed, and attending follow-up appointments with their surgeon. Over time, the patient should experience a reduction in symptoms and an improvement in their quality of life.

What to Ask Your Doctor

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

  1. What type of hernia do I have and what are the potential causes?
  2. What are the treatment options available for my hernia repair?
  3. What are the risks and potential complications associated with the surgery?
  4. How long is the recovery period and what restrictions will I have post-surgery?
  5. Will I need any additional tests or consultations before the surgery?
  6. What is the success rate of this type of hernia repair surgery?
  7. Are there any alternative treatments or non-surgical options available?
  8. Will I need to make any lifestyle changes after the surgery to prevent recurrence?
  9. How experienced are you in performing this type of hernia repair surgery?
  10. Are there any specific instructions I need to follow before and after the surgery to ensure optimal outcomes?
  11. What should I expect in terms of pain management and follow-up care after the surgery?
  12. How soon can I return to work or normal activities after the surgery?
  13. Are there any long-term effects or considerations I should be aware of post-hernia repair surgery?

Reference

Authors: Blackwell S, Massey L, Mehta A, Smart N, Sahnan K, Lederhuber H, Lee MJ. Journal: Colorectal Dis. 2024 Oct;26(10):1815-1821. doi: 10.1111/codi.17151. Epub 2024 Sep 8. PMID: 39245874