Our Summary

The research paper is about a study conducted on patients who had undergone laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair surgery in 2019. The aim was to see how effective this type of surgery was in the long-term.

In 2023, the researchers contacted the patients and asked them about their condition. They wanted to see how many had experienced a recurrence of the hernia or were still dealing with chronic pain. If any patients reported problems, they were invited to have a clinical examination and an ultrasound of the area where the hernia had been.

Out of 651 patients, 474 had the laparoscopic surgery. The results showed that 11.1% of these patients were still experiencing chronic pain, and 2.5% had a recurrence of the hernia.

The conclusion of the study is that recurrence and chronic pain are still significant issues after laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair. The researchers believe it is important to continue looking for new solutions to improve the outcomes of this type of surgery.

FAQs

  1. What was the aim of the study conducted on patients who had undergone laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair surgery in 2019?
  2. What was the recurrence rate and chronic pain rate among the patients who had laparoscopic hernia repair surgery, according to the 2023 follow-up?
  3. Based on the study, what are the conclusions about the effectiveness of laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair in the long-term?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about laparoscopic hernia repair is to follow post-operative instructions carefully, including avoiding heavy lifting and strenuous activities for a certain period of time. It is also important to attend follow-up appointments to monitor for any signs of recurrence or chronic pain. Staying in communication with your healthcare provider and reporting any issues or concerns promptly can help ensure the best possible outcome after surgery.

Suitable For

Typically, patients who are recommended for laparoscopic hernia repair are those with inguinal hernias. In this study, the patients who underwent laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair surgery in 2019 were included in the research. It is important to note that the study focused on patients who had already undergone the surgery and were followed up on in 2023 to assess the long-term outcomes.

Timeline

Before laparoscopic hernia repair:

  • Patient experiences symptoms of a hernia such as a bulge or pain in the affected area
  • Consultation with a surgeon to discuss treatment options
  • Pre-operative tests and evaluations to determine eligibility for laparoscopic surgery

After laparoscopic hernia repair:

  • Surgery is performed using small incisions and a laparoscope to repair the hernia
  • Recovery period of a few weeks with restrictions on physical activity
  • Follow-up appointments with the surgeon to monitor healing and address any concerns
  • Long-term follow-up to assess for recurrence of the hernia or chronic pain

Research study in 2019:

  • Patients underwent laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair surgery
  • Study conducted in 2023 to assess long-term outcomes
  • Patients contacted to report any recurrence or chronic pain
  • Clinical examination and ultrasound performed for patients reporting issues

Results of the study:

  • Out of 474 patients who had laparoscopic surgery, 11.1% reported chronic pain and 2.5% had a recurrence of the hernia
  • Conclusion that recurrence and chronic pain are still significant issues after laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair
  • Call for continued research to improve outcomes of this type of surgery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

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

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with laparoscopic hernia repair surgery?
  2. How long is the recovery time after laparoscopic hernia repair surgery?
  3. What can I expect in terms of pain management after the surgery?
  4. What is the success rate of laparoscopic hernia repair in terms of preventing hernia recurrence?
  5. Are there any specific post-operative instructions or restrictions I should follow to ensure a successful outcome?
  6. How long do the effects of the surgery typically last? Is there a chance that the hernia could recur in the future?
  7. What can I do to minimize the risk of developing chronic pain after the surgery?
  8. Are there any alternative treatment options to consider besides laparoscopic hernia repair?
  9. How frequently will I need follow-up appointments or monitoring after the surgery?
  10. Are there any specific signs or symptoms I should watch out for that may indicate a complication or recurrence of the hernia?

Reference

Authors: Loban KM, Smirnova OA, Andriyashkin AV, Mamadumarov VA, Balya AV, Timurzieva MG, Kulikov VM, Sazhin AV. Journal: Khirurgiia (Mosk). 2024;(12):67-73. doi: 10.17116/hirurgia202412167. PMID: 39716428