EP-21 The adequacy of consent forms for post-operative inguinal hernia complications relative surgeon's grade of training

Abstract

Abstract Aims Inguinal hernia repair is known to be one of the most commonly performed general surgery procedures in the UK. Pre-operative consenting is essential to be aware of potential complications and for patients to make fully informed decisions. We aimed to assess the adequacy of consent for elective inguinal hernia repair in a UK-teaching hospital. Methods A 4-months retrospective data analysis of consent forms was performed. Elective open and laparoscopic inguinal hernia repairs were reviewed for consent forms, including demographic data, date of surgery, grade of consenting surgeon, re-admissions and complications. Results A total of 132 operations were included, 108 open and 24 laparoscopic. The most commonly recorded risks were bleeding (97%) and recurrence (96%). Serious testicular complications such as testicular artery injury/orchidectomy were consented in 35% of patients. The consultants consented 63% of overall complications, specialist registrars (SpR) 66.9% and senior house officers (SHO) consented the most with 77.1%. Testicular complications were mostly consented by consultants 66.7% vs registrars 16.3% and 12% SHOs. Consultants consented for the fewest complications overall (63.7%). Six patients were readmitted with postoperative complications, 2 were readmitted for orchidectomies, 3 haematoma and 1 had recurrence. Conclusion There are significant shortcomings in consenting patients for serious testicular inguinal hernia complications. SHOs consented for the most complications, followed by SpRs then consultants with the least. To mitigate these shortcomings we would envisage having a standardised format for consenting, including patient information leaflets provided to the patients prior to their operations.