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. 2019 Sep;33(9):2794-2801.
doi: 10.1007/s00464-018-6567-4. Epub 2018 Nov 14.

The PINCH-Phone: a new screenings method for recurrent incisional hernias

Nadine van Veenendaal  1 , Marijn M Poelman  2 , Baukje van den Heuvel  3 , Boudewijn J Dwars  4 , W Hermien Schreurs  5 , Jan H M B Stoot  6 , H Jaap Bonjer  7
Affiliations

The PINCH-Phone: a new screenings method for recurrent incisional hernias

Nadine van Veenendaal et al. Surg Endosc. 2019 Sep.

Abstract

Background: Debate persists on the optimal management of incisional hernias due to paucity of accurate recurrence rates. Reoperation rates implicate a severe underestimation of the risk of a recurrence. Therefore, long-term postoperative clinic visits allowing physical examination of the abdomen are deemed necessary. However, these are time and costs consuming. Aim of this study was to develop and evaluate a new screenings method for recurrent hernias, the 'PINCH-Phone' (Post-INCisional-Hernia repair-Phone).

Methods: The PINCH-Phone is a telephone questionnaire. In this multicenter prospective study, the PINCH-Phone was answered by patients after incisional hernia repair. Afterwards the patients were seen at the clinic and physical examination was done to detect any recurrences.

Results: The PINCH-Phone questions were answered by 210 patients with a median postoperative follow-up of 36 months. Fifty-six patients were seen after multiple incisional hernia repairs. In 137 patients who had replied positively to one or more questions, 28 recurrent incisional hernias were detected at physical examination. Six recurrences were noted in 73 patients who had replied negatively to all questions. The overall sensitivity and specificity of the PINCH-Phone were 82% and 38%, respectively.

Conclusion: The PINCH-Phone appears a simple and valuable screenings method for recurrences after incisional hernia repair and, hence, is recommended for implementation.

Keywords: Hernia surgery; Incisional hernias; Patient-reported outcomes.

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Conflict of interest statement

Jaap Bonjer received grants and personal fees from Medtronic, Johnson&Johnson, Olympus, Applied Medical, and Stryker, outside the submitted work. Nadine van Veenendaal, Marijn Poelman, Baukje van den Heuvel, Boudewijn Dwars, Hermien Schreurs, and Jan Stoot have no conflicts of interest or financial ties to disclose.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Flowchart of the study
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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