Analysis of the SAGES Outcomes Initiative groin hernia database.

Area of Science:

• Surgery
• Gastroenterology
• Health Outcomes Research

Background:

• The Society of American Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES) established the SAGES Outcomes Initiative in 1999.
• This initiative collects perioperative and postoperative data from member surgeons to track patient outcomes.
• The groin hernia database contains data on nearly 20,000 operations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a descriptive analysis of the groin hernia database collected through the SAGES Outcomes Initiative.
• To characterize patient demographics, hernia types, surgical approaches, and postoperative outcomes.
• To assess the initial findings from one of the largest prospective, voluntary hernia registries.

Main Methods:

• Data from 1,607 groin hernia cases (September 1999 to February 2005) were extracted from the SAGES Outcomes Initiative database.
• Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative data were summarized descriptively.
• No statistical analysis was performed; the study focused on descriptive statistics.

Main Results:

• Males constituted 85% of patients; 63% were employed, and 62% had comorbidities (84% ASA class I or II).
• Primary, unilateral hernias were most common (86%); 14% were recurrent, 11% bilateral, 6% incarcerated, and 3% required emergency repair.
• Symptom improvement exceeded 95%; 45% of repairs were endoscopic, with fewer reported narcotic days compared to open repairs. Postoperative complications were generally minor (Class I or II).

Conclusions:

• The SAGES Outcomes Initiative represents a significant prospective, voluntary hernia registry with infrequent missing data.
• Findings are comparable to national registries and randomized trials, despite potential limitations of voluntary data collection.
• Ongoing efforts aim to enhance data entry, refine parameters, increase participation, and explore the potential for clinical research through data audits.