Patient experience ratings in surgery for recurrent hernia

Abstract

In evidence based medicine it is important to define goals and factors relevant to achieve those goals. The aim of the present study was to investigate patient satisfaction as an endpoint for the quality of groin hernia surgery, and to define factors relevant for this endpoint in patients operated on for recurrent groin hernia. Patient satisfaction questionnaires were mailed to 67 patients operated on for recurrent hernias at Mora hospital between 1995 and 1997, and to a control group of 152 patients operated on for primary inguinal hernias during 1996. The response rate was 88 and 91% respectively. The data revealed that the adequacy of information given to patients as well as the adequacy of analgesics for use at home are both important factors in patient satisfaction. In surgery for recurrent hernia, patients with few years since the operation were more dissatisfied than other patients. Most of our patients, however, thought that the reason for their hernia recurrence was related to themselves. The patients operated on for recurrent hernias showed no difference in overall satisfaction ratings when compared to the control group. However, it is suggested that better information and a better knowledge among patients concerning the reasons for hernia recurrence, will increase patient demands and further emphasis recurrence rate as the important end-point of patient satisfaction in hernia surgery.