Journal
HERNIA
Volume 12, Issue 6, Pages 561-569Publisher
SPRINGER
DOI: 10.1007/s10029-008-0412-y
Keywords
Literature review; Inguinal hernia; Outcomes research; Pain assessment; Postoperative pain; Health-related quality of life
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Background and methods This study reviews the existing literature examining chronic pain and health-related quality of life (HRQL) outcomes in hernia repair Studies. A PubMed/Medline and Embase search was carried out to identify relevant papers. Studies meeting pre-specified inclusion/exclusion criteria were included and fully reviewed. Reference lists were scanned for additional studies. Only studies examining chronic (>3 months) postoperative inguinal hernia repair (IHR)-related pain were included in this review. Results and conclusions Twenty-three studies were identified. The majority of Studies used the visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain measurement and the Medical Outcomes Study Short-Form 36 (SF-36) for the measurement of HRQL. A reasonably consistent picture emerged from the literature, with the HRQL domains most often affected by pain (social functioning/mental health). Estimates of the prevalence of chronic pain and discomfort following IHR vary widely between Studies. This is probably a reflection of the range of methods used for measuring pain, many of which do not have established psychometric properties. Our review suggests that a proportion of patients experience chronic pain and discomfort, which has a significant impact on HRQL. However, the current instruments used in the evaluation of chronic pain after IHR are not comparable and standardisation is required.
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