Patient acceptance of outpatient treatment for inguinal hernia in Jos, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND

Patient acceptability constitutes an important component of outpatient treatment for hernias. It is essential that patients are properly selected so that only those who need admission are admitted and cared for with the limited available resources. It is also equally important that those who qualify for outpatient care are adequately informed that there is no added risk attributable to outpatient treatment and that they are free to accept or reject such treatment.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the acceptability of day care treatment for inguinal hernia in our environment.

DESIGN

Prospective cross sectional study.

SETTING

Jos University Teaching Hospital.

SUBJECTS

121 selected patients were randomized to undergo elective inguinal hernia repair either as outpatients (61) or inpatients (60).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Six weeks after operation, an assessment of patients' opinion was made as to their preferred method.

RESULTS

52 of 61 day cases and 24 of 60 inpatients preferred outpatient treatment, while two daycare patients and 36 inpatients preferred hospital admission (p < 0.001). Altogether, acceptability rate for outpatient treatment was 68.6%.

CONCLUSION

in carefully selected and adequately informed patients, outpatient elective inguinal hernia repair is readily acceptable.