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How long do patients convalescence after inguinal herniorrhaphy? Current principles and practice
G S Robertson1, P R Burton, I G Haynes
1George Eliot Hospital, Nuneaton, Warwickshire.
Annals of the Royal College of Surgeons of England
|January 1, 1993
Summary
Current medical advice suggests prolonged rest after hernia repair, but evidence is lacking. Patients can likely return to work sooner, improving productivity without negative effects.
Area of Science:
- General Surgery
- Surgical Outcomes
Background:
- Traditional post-hernia repair recovery guidelines recommend several weeks of rest.
- This prolonged rest period may lack current evidence-based rationale.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess current practices regarding return to work after hernia repair.
- To evaluate the duration of time off work advised by surgeons and general practitioners (GPs).
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire survey was distributed to consultant surgeons, patients, and general practitioners.
- The survey aimed to gather data on recommended and actual time off work following hernia repair.
Main Results:
- Surgeons advised an average of 4.4 weeks off work, while GPs advised 6.2 weeks.
- Patients took an average of 7.0 weeks off work, with variations based on occupation.
- Significant variation in recovery time suggests a lack of evidence for extended rest.
Conclusions:
- There is no clear evidence to support extended rest periods after hernia repair.
- Patients should be informed about the possibility of an earlier return to work based on their comfort level.
- Facilitating an earlier return to work could significantly reduce productivity loss.