Our Summary

This study aimed to create a scoring system to predict the risk of persistent pain after inguinal hernia surgery. They gathered data from 2,508 Danish men who had undergone this surgery between 2015 and 2016, and used statistical analysis to identify factors that increased the likelihood of long-term pain.

These factors included being aged between 18-59 years, lifting more than 1,000 kg per day, working in a bent-over position for more than 1 hour per day, doing less than 2 hours of physical activity per week, having a high body mass index, and having surgery to repair a recurrent hernia.

The scoring system they developed predicted a risk of long-term pain after surgery between 6% and 61% in the patients they studied. They also tested the scoring system in a smaller group of 293 men and found it to be accurate. This suggests that the scoring system could be used to predict the risk of long-term pain after inguinal hernia surgery.

FAQs

  1. What was the main goal of the study on hernia repair?
  2. What factors were identified as increasing the likelihood of long-term pain after inguinal hernia surgery?
  3. How accurate was the scoring system developed to predict the risk of long-term pain after inguinal hernia surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might give a patient about hernia repair is to avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activities for several weeks after surgery to prevent complications and ensure proper healing. It is also important to follow post-operative care instructions provided by the surgeon to reduce the risk of developing chronic pain or other complications. Additionally, maintaining a healthy weight and staying physically active can help prevent hernias from recurring in the future.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended hernia repair are those who are experiencing symptoms such as pain, discomfort, or bulging in the affected area. Inguinal hernias, in particular, are common in men and may require surgery if they become symptomatic or if there is a risk of complications such as incarceration or strangulation.

Factors that may increase the likelihood of needing hernia repair include:

  • Age (older adults may be more prone to hernias)
  • Obesity or excess weight
  • Chronic coughing or straining (e.g. due to heavy lifting, constipation, or chronic respiratory conditions)
  • Family history of hernias
  • Previous hernia repair surgery
  • Pregnancy or childbirth (for women)
  • Certain medical conditions that increase intra-abdominal pressure, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or cystic fibrosis

Ultimately, the decision to undergo hernia repair surgery should be made in consultation with a healthcare provider based on the individual’s symptoms, overall health, and potential risks and benefits of the procedure.

Timeline

Before hernia repair:

  • Patient experiences symptoms of a hernia such as a bulge in the affected area, pain or discomfort, and potential complications like strangulation
  • Consults with a healthcare provider to diagnose the hernia and discuss treatment options
  • Prepares for surgery by undergoing pre-operative evaluations and tests
  • Receives instructions on how to prepare for the surgery, such as fasting before the procedure

After hernia repair:

  • Undergoes the hernia repair surgery, which can be done through open surgery or minimally invasive techniques like laparoscopic surgery
  • Recovers in the hospital or at home, depending on the type of surgery and individual circumstances
  • Follows post-operative instructions provided by the healthcare provider, including pain management, wound care, and activity restrictions
  • Attends follow-up appointments to monitor the healing process and address any concerns
  • Gradually resumes normal activities and work duties as advised by the healthcare provider
  • May experience temporary discomfort or pain during the recovery period, which should improve over time
  • Long-term outcomes may vary, with some patients experiencing persistent pain or complications while others recover fully without any issues.

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 treatment options available?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with hernia repair surgery?
  3. How long will it take to recover from the surgery and what can I expect during the recovery process?
  4. Will I experience any long-term pain or complications after the surgery?
  5. Are there any lifestyle changes or precautions I should take after hernia repair surgery to prevent recurrence?
  6. What is the success rate of the surgery and what is the likelihood of the hernia recurring?
  7. Are there any alternative treatments or therapies that may be beneficial for my specific situation?
  8. How many hernia repair surgeries have you performed and what is your success rate?
  9. What should I do if I experience any unexpected symptoms or complications after the surgery?
  10. Is there anything else I should know or consider before undergoing hernia repair surgery?

Reference

Authors: Vad MV, Svendsen SW, Frost P, Nattino G, Rosenberg J, Lemeshow S. Journal: Hernia. 2022 Feb;26(1):177-187. doi: 10.1007/s10029-021-02376-x. Epub 2021 Feb 11. PMID: 33570707