2021 Volume 54 Issue 5 Pages 303-312
Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence and treatment course of adult patients with chronic postoperative inguinal pain (CPIP) based on patient-reported outcomes. Patients and Methods: A questionnaire was sent to 592 patients (617 lesions) who underwent inguinal hernia repair between April 2010 and March 2016 at our hospital to assess pain severity at 3 months after surgery using a 6-point numerical rating scale (NRS). We defined CPIP as pain with NRS of 3 or more that lasted for more than 3 months postoperatively. In addition, we directly contacted the patients with CPIP. Results: The questionnaire was returned by 427 patients (72.9%; 450/617 lesions). The incidence of CPIP was 7.6% (34/450 lesions). NRS of 3 or more at 1 week after surgery was significantly associated with the incidence of CPIP. Ten patients, including 9 with CPIP, had treatment for pain. Five patients with CPIP had received pain management since 3 months after surgery. Another 4 patients with CPIP and one without CPIP revisited our hospital to be treated for pain after the questionnaire survey. All patients obtained relief from pain after treatment. Conclusion: CPIP is not an uncommon disease, and this study suggests that early postoperative pain control is important. Patients should be observed for at least 3 months after surgery because early treatment for CPIP is likely to be important.
