Our Summary

This study looked at how safe and effective it is to use telehealth for follow-up appointments after veterans had an inguinal hernia repair. This is a type of surgery for a common type of hernia that occurs in the groin area. The researchers looked at veterans who had this surgery at a Veterans Affairs Medical Center over two years. They specifically looked for any complications after the surgery, any emergency department visits, any readmissions to the hospital within 30 days, and any adverse events that were missed.

The research found that using telehealth for follow-ups was just as safe and effective as in-person follow-ups. There were no differences in the amount of complications, emergency department visits, readmissions, or missed adverse events between the two groups. However, veterans with a higher risk of complications from anesthesia and those who had a certain type of repair were more likely to have in-person follow-ups. This suggests that telehealth can be a safe and effective option for follow-up care after inguinal hernia repair surgery.

FAQs

  1. Is it safe to use telehealth for follow-up appointments after inguinal hernia repair surgery?
  2. Were there any differences in the number of complications, readmissions, or missed adverse events between veterans who had in-person follow-ups and those who used telehealth?
  3. Who are more likely to have in-person follow-ups after inguinal hernia repair surgery according to the study?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about hernia repair is to discuss with their healthcare provider the option of using telehealth for follow-up appointments after surgery. This can be a convenient and safe way to monitor their recovery and address any concerns without the need for in-person visits. It is important to follow all post-operative instructions provided by their surgeon to ensure a successful recovery.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended hernia repair include those with:

  1. Symptomatic hernias causing pain, discomfort, or other symptoms
  2. Hernias that are increasing in size or becoming more symptomatic over time
  3. Hernias that are causing complications such as bowel obstruction or strangulation
  4. Patients who are physically fit and healthy enough to undergo surgery
  5. Patients who are motivated to have the hernia repaired and follow post-operative care instructions

It is important for patients to discuss their individual case with a healthcare provider to determine if hernia repair is the best treatment option for them.

Timeline

The timeline for a patient before and after hernia repair surgery typically includes the following:

Before surgery:

  1. Consultation with a surgeon to discuss treatment options and surgical approach.
  2. Pre-operative testing, such as blood work and imaging studies.
  3. Preparing for surgery by following any pre-operative instructions provided by the surgeon.
  4. Surgery to repair the hernia, which may be done using open or laparoscopic techniques.
  5. Recovery in the hospital or at home, depending on the type of surgery and individual circumstances.

After surgery:

  1. Post-operative care, including pain management and wound care.
  2. Follow-up appointments with the surgeon to monitor recovery and address any concerns.
  3. Gradual return to normal activities, with restrictions on heavy lifting and strenuous exercise.
  4. Healing of the surgical site and resolution of any symptoms related to the hernia.
  5. Long-term follow-up to monitor for any recurrent hernias or complications.

Overall, the timeline for a patient before and after hernia repair surgery can vary depending on individual factors such as the type of hernia, surgical approach, and overall health of the patient. It is important for patients to follow their surgeon’s recommendations for pre-operative preparation and post-operative care to ensure a successful recovery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What type of hernia repair surgery will I be undergoing?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with this surgery?
  3. What is the expected recovery time and post-operative care plan?
  4. How will my pain be managed after the surgery?
  5. What signs or symptoms should I watch for that may indicate a complication?
  6. How soon after the surgery should I follow up with you for a post-operative appointment?
  7. Will I need any additional tests or imaging before or after the surgery?
  8. Are there any restrictions on activities or diet that I should follow during my recovery?
  9. What are the success rates for this type of surgery, and what is the likelihood of recurrence?
  10. Can telehealth be an option for follow-up appointments, and what are the advantages and disadvantages of this approach?

Reference

Authors: Abbitt D, Choy K, Castle R, Jones TS, Wikiel KJ, Barnett CC, Moore JT, Robinson TN, Jones EL. Journal: J Surg Res. 2023 Jul;287:186-192. doi: 10.1016/j.jss.2023.02.030. Epub 2023 Mar 20. PMID: 36940640