Quality of life of inguinal hernia patients in Taiwan: The application of the hernia-specific quality of life assessment instrument.

ABSTRACT:

Background

With the development of prosthetic mesh and tension free techniques, the recurrence rate following inguinal hernia repair has been reduced, and hernia outcomes research should focus on post-operative quality of life and potential complications.

Study design

A novel hernia quality of life assessment instrument, HERQL, was developed. The HERQL questionnaire comprises a 4-item summative pain score measuring pain and discomfort resulting from various strenuous activities. Symptomatic and functional domains, as well as post-operative satisfaction are evaluated as well.

Results

A total of 386 HERQL surveys were completed by 183 patients with inguinal hernias. Internal consistency reliability of the summative pain score was satisfactory, with a Cronbach's alpha of

SUBMITTER: Huang CC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5560705 | biostudies-literature | 2017

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature