[Recommendations for convalescence after hernia surgery. A questionnaire study]

To determine differences in recommendations for convalescence after inguinal herniorrhaphy, a questionnaire was mailed to 294 general practitioners in the Copenhagen area. Sixty-two percent returned the questionnaire. After primary hernia repair a period of 1-12 weeks off work was recommended (mean 2.6, 4.1 and 7.8 weeks in patients with light, moderate or heavy work load, respectively). After repair for recurrent hernia 1-24 weeks off work were recommended (mean 3.5, 5.4 and 8.3 weeks in patients with light, moderate or heavy work load, respectively). Restrictions in lifting (> 5 kg) were recommended for 1-16 weeks, mean 6.1 and 7.4 weeks after primary and recurrent repair, respectively. It is concluded that there is a need for propagation of new data regarding shortened convalescence after herniorrhaphy in order to maximise the advantages of new surgical and analgesic techniques.