Long-term follow-up of 1059 consecutive primary and recurrent inguinal hernias in a teaching hospital.

OBJECTIVE

To study the early and late outcome of various methods of inguinal hernia repair.

DESIGN

Retrospective study.

SETTING

Teaching hospital, Norway.

SUBJECTS

1059 repairs of inguinal hernias in men and women by 43 surgeons.

INTERVENTIONS

Analysis of patients charts, results of questionnaires concerning 712 hernias (67%) and follow-up consultations when needed.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Freedom from recurrence and postoperative groin symptoms after repairs of primary and recurrent hernias.

RESULTS

After a median follow-up of 5.5 years, range 3-8, the recurrence rate was 8% for primary repairs and 29% after recurrent hernias. The incidence of permanent pain or discomfort was unexpectedly high, being 11% after primary repairs and 15% after recurrent hernia repairs.

CONCLUSIONS

The number of recurrences at long-term follow-up after repairs of primary and recurrent inguinal hernias was unsatisfactory. The extent of postoperative pain was surprising as this was not given enough attention during the learning period. We have introduced a uniform treatment policy with a prospective surveillance programme with the aim of improving results in our teaching programme.