Self-reported adverse events after groin hernia repair, a study based on a national register

Abstract

Objectives: In most clinics, follow-up after inguinal hernia surgery is not a routine procedure and complications may pass unnoticed, thus impairing quality assessment. The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency, spectrum, and risk factors of short-term adverse events after groin hernia repair.

Methods: All patients aged 15 years or older with a primary unilateral inguinal or femoral hernia repair recorded in the Swedish Hernia Register (SHR) between November 1 and December 31, 2002 were sent a questionnaire asking about complications within the first 30 postoperative days.

Results: Of the 1643 recorded patients, 1448 (88.1%) responded: 1341 (92.6%) were men and 107 (7.4%) women, mean age 59 years. There were 195 (11.9%) nonresponders. Postoperative complications reported in the questionnaire were hematoma in 203 (14.0%) patients, severe pain in 168 (11.6%), testicular pain in 120 (8.3%), and infection in 105 (7.3%). Adverse events were reported in the questionnaire by 391 (23.8%) patients, whereas only 85 (5.2%) were affected according to the SHR. Risk factors for postoperative complications were age below the median (59 years) among the studied hernia patients (OR 1.36; 95% CI 1.06-1.74) and laparoscopic repair (OR 2.66; 95% CI 1.17-6.05).

Conclusion: Questionnaires provide valuable additional information concerning postoperative complications. We recommend that they become an integrated part of routine postoperative assessment.