Abstract
BackgroundThe incidence and impact of chronic inguinal pain after kidney transplantation is not clearly established. A high incidence of pain after inguinal hernia repair, a comparable surgical procedure, suggests an underexposed problem.MethodsBetween 2011 and 2013, 403 consecutive patients who underwent kidney transplantation were invited to complete the Caroline Comfort Scale (CCS) and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) in order to assess the incidence of chronic inguinal pain and movement disabilities, complemented by questions regarding comorbidity during follow-up.ResultsThe response rate was 58 % (n = 199) with a median follow-up of 22 months (IQR 12–30). In total, 90 patients (45 %) reported a CCS > 0 and 64 patients (32 %) experienced at least mild but bothersome complaints. Most inguinal complaints were reported during bending over and walking with a mean CCS score of 1.1 (SD ± 2.2) and 1.2 (SD ± 2.4), respectively. A high body mass index (BMI), delayed graft function, and the need for a second operation were associated with a higher CCS score on univariate analysis. Using multivariate analysis, only BMI (p = 0.02) was considered an independent risk factor for chronic inguinal pain.ConclusionsThe incidence of chronic inguinal pain is a common though underexposed complication after kidney transplantation. More awareness to prevent neuropathic pain seems indicated.
Highlights
Between 2011 and 2013, 403 consecutive patients who underwent kidney transplantation were invited to complete the Caroline Comfort Scale (CCS) and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) in order to assess the incidence of chronic inguinal pain and movement disabilities, complemented by questions regarding comorbidity during followup
A high body mass index (BMI), delayed graft function, and the need for a second operation were associated with a higher CCS score on univariate analysis
Kidney transplantation remains the preferred treatment in patients with end-stage renal disease and results in a better survival and in an improved quality of life (QoL) [1, 2]
Summary
Kidney transplantation remains the preferred treatment in patients with end-stage renal disease and results in a better survival and in an improved quality of life (QoL) [1, 2]. QoL is strongly influenced by (chronic) pain and the incidence after kidney transplantation is estimated as high as 62 % [3]. A surgical procedure located in comparable anatomical levels in the inguinal region, is known for its high risk (15–53 %) of chronic pain [4]. The type of mesh used appears to play a role in developing chronic pain after inguinal hernia repair [6]. A high incidence of pain after inguinal hernia repair, a comparable surgical procedure, suggests an underexposed problem. Methods Between 2011 and 2013, 403 consecutive patients who underwent kidney transplantation were invited to complete the Caroline Comfort Scale (CCS) and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) in order to assess the incidence of chronic inguinal pain and movement disabilities, complemented by questions regarding comorbidity during followup
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