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Pain after groin hernia repair
T Callesen1, K Bech, R Nielsen
1Department of Surgical Gastroenterology, H:S Hvidovre University Hospital, Denmark.
The British Journal of Surgery
|October 22, 1998
Summary
Postoperative pain is a significant issue following open inguinal hernia repair, even with anesthesia and medication. Many patients experience moderate to severe pain during coughing and movement for weeks after surgery.
Area of Science:
- Surgical outcomes
- Pain management
- Hernia repair
Background:
- Open inguinal hernia repair is a common surgical procedure.
- Postoperative pain is a frequent complication affecting patient recovery.
- Understanding pain patterns is crucial for improving surgical care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To detail the incidence and severity of postoperative pain.
- To analyze pain experienced during rest, coughing, and mobilization.
- To assess pain at 1 week and 4 weeks post-surgery.
Main Methods:
- Prospective consecutive case series of 500 hernia operations.
- Inclusion of 466 unselected patients aged 18-90 years.
- Pain scoring (none, light, moderate, severe) recorded daily for 1 week and at 4 weeks.
Main Results:
- 66% experienced moderate/severe pain on day 1, decreasing to 11% at 4 weeks.
- Pain was significantly higher during coughing/mobilization than at rest (P < 0.001).
- Younger patients reported higher pain scores during movement (P < 0.01).
Conclusions:
- Pain remains a challenge post-inguinal hernia repair.
- Pre-emptive analgesia (opioids, NSAIDs, local anesthesia) did not eliminate pain.
- Pain severity was independent of surgical technique or hernia type.