Factors associated with postoperative complications and hernia recurrence for patients undergoing inguinal hernia repair: a report from the VA Cooperative Hernia Study Group

Richard D. Matthews, Thomas Anthony, Lawrence T. Kim, Jia Wang, Robert J. Fitzgibbons, Anita Giobbie-Hurder, Domenic J. Reda, Kamal M.F. Itani, Leigh A. Neumayer

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

63 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: We sought to determine perioperative variables predictive of complications or recurrence for patients undergoing surgical repair of inguinal hernias. Patients and Methods: Using data from the Veterans Affairs trial, regression analyses were utilized to identify perioperative factors significantly associated with complications (overall, short-term and long-term), long-term pain, and to develop a risk model for recurrence. Results: Recurrent and scrotal hernias were predictors for short term and overall complications, regardless of technique. Older age and higher Mental Component Score of the SF-36 were associated with higher risk of long term complications in the open group while prostatism and increased body mass index were the significant predictors in the laparoscopic group. Long-term pain complaints decreased as patient age increased in both groups. Patient and surgeon factors were predictive of recurrence but varied greatly depending on surgical technique. Conclusions: Regardless of technique, scrotal and recurrent hernias were associated with a greater risk of complications and younger patients had more long-term pain. Predictors of recurrence vary based on surgical technique.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)611-617
Number of pages7
JournalAmerican journal of surgery
Volume194
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 2007

Keywords

  • Complications
  • Herniorrhaphy
  • Inguinal
  • Laparoscopic
  • Lichtenstein
  • Recurrence

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Surgery

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