Survey of post-operative instructions after inguinal hernia repair in England in 2012

The annual cost of employee absences from work to UK business is estimated to be £32 billion, with routine post-operative recovery time being the second commonest reason for employee absence. We surveyed what post-operative instructions are currently being given to patients by surgeons after inguinal hernia repair in England.

Acute trusts were emailed in England asking for leaflets and patients information regarding inguinal hernia repair under the Freedom of Information Act (2000).

A total of 128 (89.5 %) trusts replied. Leaflets were returned by 93 (65%) trusts. After inguinal hernia repair, the time to return to work varied widely according to office work (range 1-6 weeks) and manual labour work (range 2-12 weeks). The time advised to return to driving ranged from 24 h to 6 weeks. The time advised before allowing sexual activities ranged from 1 to 4 weeks and return to sports ranged from 2 to 12 weeks after hernia repair.

Surgeons and trusts should be able to provide patients with printed consistent and accurate information regarding their post-operative recovery time, including return to driving and return to work.