Long-term follow-up after Lichtenstein hernioplasty in a general surgical unit

Abstract

This retrospective study of 142 consecutive males operated on, including the learning-curve period, is aimed at evaluating the long-term outcome (>3 years) of Lichtenstein hernia repair. The response rate was 95%. One recurrence (0.7%) and one femoral hernia occurred. Pain persisted more than 2 weeks in 26% of patients, more than 3 months in 8%, and after 3 years in 4%. The corresponding figures for discomfort without need for analgesics are 49, 14, and 11%. Paresthesia persisted over 1 year in 9%. Morbidity due to extensive section of the cremaster muscle and shooting nuisance during ejaculation occurred in four patients. The mean social inactivity period was 3.2 weeks, the time to work resumption 5.4 weeks. The Lichtenstein hernioplasty proved to have a low recurrence rate and immediate morbidity, but the prevalence of chronic pain or discomfort are not to be underestimated.

Persistent sensory dysfunction in pain‐free herniotomy

“…Sensory disturbances are well documented in PPP ranging from unspecific reports of numbness 13–17 and detailed neurological examination 18 to detailed QST studies 7,8 . The sensory dysfunctions after PPP are consistent with findings from other surgical procedures 1,19 suggesting persistent post‐operative pain to be either neuropathic, inflammatory or, most likely in the case of post‐herniotomy pain, a combination of both.…”

Chronic postoperative pain: the case of inguinal herniorrhaphy

“…One study of 101 patients found that 50% (numbers not shown) with pain or discomfort had paraesthesia compared with 23% in patients without pain (P<0.05), but did not report how the sensory testing was performed, and only examined patients' complaints of pain. 56 Another study showed that a prickly sensation was present in 17% and numbness in 9% of patients after open surgery, but did not examine whether the neurological abnormalities were associated with chronic pain, or explain how they conducted the sensory testing. 19 One article did not show exact data, but noted that out of 93 patients with chronic pain 23 (25%) had discomfort and a disturbed sense of touch.…”

Resultados a corto plazo de la hernioplastia inguinal: Seguimiento prospectivo de 112 pacientes

“…Todos estos hallazgos confirman nuestra experiencia, así como la de otros autores. La clínica habitual de la hernia inguinal deriva de la presencia física del saco herniario y su contenido, los síntomas se refieren a las molestias, dolor o deficiencias causadas por la presencia de la hernia 6,[22][23][24][25] . Este hecho fue evidenciado por nuestros pacientes quienes al ser interrogados sobre sus síntomas se refirieron al dolor en la zona inguinal o a las dificultades causadas por su hernia.…”