Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 30, 2026
Vessel-sparing Excision and Primary Anastomosis
Published on: January 7, 2019
Effect of elective inguinal hernia repair on urinary symptom burden in men
Rhiannon D Reed1, Tyler L Poston2, Jeffrey D Kerby1
1Center for Surgical, Medical Acute Care Research and Transitions, VAMC, Birmingham, AL, USA; Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA.
Background:
Our study sought to examine the prevalence of urinary symptoms in men undergoing hernia repair and whether there is an association between symptoms and short-term outcomes.
Methods:
This is a prospective cohort study of male veterans consenting to inguinal hernia repair. The American Urological Association Symptom Score (AUASS) was administered preoperatively at 48 hours and again at 30 days after surgery.
Results:
Median preoperative AUASS was 6 (interquartile range [IQR]: 3 to 12); at 48 hours, the median score increased significantly to 10 (IQR: 4 to 16, P < .01) and at 30 days, the median score dropped below baseline to 3 (IQR: 1 to 8, P < .0001). Multivariable linear regression modeling revealed that the use of an intraoperative urinary catheter was significantly associated with an increase in AUASS from preop to both 48 hours and 30 days.
Conclusion:
Elective repair of an inguinal hernia is associated with reduction in urinary symptom burden at 30 days, whereas the use of an intraoperative foley catheter is associated with no improvement at 30 days.
