Postoperative compression in preventing early complications after groin hernia repair

We conducted this study to investigate the efficacy, safety, and clinical value of postoperative compression in preventing seroma formation, relieving acute pain, and improving QoL after groin hernia repair.

This multi-center, prospective, observational real-world study was conducted from March 1, 2022, to August 31, 2022. The study was completed in 53 hospitals in 25 provinces in China. A total of 497 patients who underwent groin hernia repair were enrolled. All patients used a compression device to compress the operative region after surgery. The primary outcome was seroma incidence 1 month after surgery. Secondary outcomes included postoperative acute pain and QoL.

A total of 497 patients [median (IQR) age 55 (41-67) years, 456 (91.8%) male] were enrolled, of whom 454 underwent laparoscopic groin hernia repair and 43 open hernia repair. The follow-up rate was 98.4% 1 month after surgery. Seroma incidence was 7.2% (35 of 489 patients) overall, lower than reported by previous research. No significant differences were found between the two groups (P > 0.05). VAS scores after compression were significantly lower than before compression overall and in both groups (P < 0.001). The laparoscopic group showed a high level of QoL compared with the open group, but there was no significant difference between the two groups (P > 0.05). CCS score correlated positively with VAS score.

Postoperative compression, to a certain extent, can reduce seroma incidence, relieve postoperative acute pain, and improve QoL after groin hernia repair. Further large-scale randomized controlled studies are warranted to determine long-term outcomes.