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Reoperation for persistent pain after groin hernia surgery: a population-based study

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Abstract

Purpose

The aim of the present study was to assess the outcome results after reoperation for persistent pain after hernia surgery in a population-based setting.

Methods

All patients who had undergone surgery for persistent pain after previous groin hernia surgery 1999–2006 were identified in the Swedish Hernia Register (n = 237). Data on the surgical technique used were abstracted from the medical records. The patients were asked to answer a set of questions including SF-36 to evaluate the prevalence of pain after reoperation.

Results

The study group consisted of 95 males and 16 females, mean age 53 years. In 27 % of cases an intervention aimed at suspected ilioinguinal neuralgia was performed. The mesh was removed completely in 28 % and partially in 13 %. A suture at the pubic tubercle was removed in 13 % of cases. Decrease in pain after the most recent reoperation was reported by 69 patients (62 %), no change in pain by 21 patients (19 %) and increase in pain in 21 patients (19 %). There was no significant difference in outcome between mesh removal, removal of sutures at the tubercle or interventions aimed at the ilioinguinal nerve. All subscales of SF-36 were significantly reduced when compared to the age- and gender-matched general population (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Patients reoperated for persistent pain after hernia surgery often report a reduction in pain, but the natural course of persistent pain, the relatively low response rate and selection of patients make it difficult to draw definite conclusions.

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Acknowledgments

This study was supported by the Center for Clinical Research, Dalarna, Sweden, and the Olle Engqvist research foundation.

Conflict of interest

NM declares no conflict of interest. UG declares no conflict of interest. PN declares no conflict of interest. SS declares no conflict of interest. MH declares no conflict of interest. GS declares no conflict of interest.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Surgery, Örebro University Hospital, Örebro, Sweden

    N. Magnusson

  2. Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Umeå University Hospital, Umeå, Sweden

    U. Gunnarsson

  3. Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden

    P. Nordin

  4. Department of Surgery, Helsingborg Hospital, Helsingborg, Sweden

    S. Smedberg

  5. Department of Surgery, Mora Hospital, Mora, Sweden

    M. Hedberg

  6. Division of Surgery, Department of Surgery, CLINTEC, Karolinska Institute, Solna, Sweden

    G. Sandblom

Authors
  1. N. Magnusson
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  2. U. Gunnarsson
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  3. P. Nordin
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  4. S. Smedberg
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  5. M. Hedberg
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  6. G. Sandblom
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to G. Sandblom.

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Magnusson, N., Gunnarsson, U., Nordin, P. et al. Reoperation for persistent pain after groin hernia surgery: a population-based study. Hernia 19, 45–51 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10029-014-1340-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10029-014-1340-7

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