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Biomedical subjects

M Bay-Nielsen

Publications and source records attributed to M Bay-Nielsen.

15 recordsLinked to original sources

Pain and functional impairment 6 years after inguinal herniorrhaphy.

Pain impairing daily activities following inguinal herniorrhaphy is reported by about 10% of patients, when asked 1-2 years postoperatively. However, the time course and consequences of postherniorrhaphy pain is not known in detail. A nationwide follow-up questionnaire study was undertaken 6.5 years postoperatively in 335 well-described patients reporting pain 1 year after inguinal herniorrhaphy in a previous questionnaire study. Three hundred and three patients, who were alive and could be contacted, received a questionnaire 6.5 years after the herniorrhaphy. Response rate was 88%. Of 267 patients responding, 57 were analyzed separately due to subsequent inguinal herniorrhaphy or other major surgery in the observation period, leaving 210 patients (69.3%) for primary analysis. Pain from the previous hernia site was reported by 72 patients (34.3%), and 52 patients (24.8%) reported that pain affected daily activities. Less pain, compared to the 1-year follow-up, was reported by 75.8%, while 16.7% had the same intensity level and 7.5% reported increased pain severity. In the subgroup of patients operated for a recurrence during the observation period and not included in primary analysis, 22 of 44 (50%) still experienced pain at 6.5 years, and 17 (38.6%) reported that pain affected daily activities (mean observation period 4.5 years). Pain after inguinal herniorrhaphy decreased from about 11% 1 year after surgery, but still affects daily activities in about 6% after 6.5 years. Patients operated for a recurrence are at higher risk for persistent pain.

Activities of Daily Living↗

Prospective nationwide analysis of laparoscopic versus Lichtenstein repair of inguinal hernia.

BACKGROUND: According to a Cochrane review, laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair compares favourably with open mesh repair, but few data exist from surgical practice outside departments with a special interest in hernia surgery. This study compared nationwide reoperation rates after laparoscopic and Lichtenstein repair, adjusting for factors predisposing to recurrence. METHODS: Some 3606 consecutive laparoscopic repairs were compared with 39 537 Lichtenstein repairs that were prospectively recorded in a nationwide registry between 1998 and 2003. Patients were subgrouped according to type of hernia: primary or recurrent and unilateral or bilateral. Overall reoperation rates and 95 per cent confidence intervals were calculated. Long-term reoperation rates were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: The overall reoperation rates after laparoscopic and Lichtenstein repair of unilateral primary indirect hernia (0 versus 1.0 per cent), primary direct hernia (1.1 versus 3.1 per cent), unilateral recurrent hernia (4.6 versus 4.8 per cent) and bilateral recurrent hernia (2.6 versus 7.6 per cent) did not differ. However, laparoscopic repair of a bilateral primary hernia was associated with a higher reoperation rate than Lichtenstein repair (4.8 versus 3.0 per cent) (P = 0.017). CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic repair compared favourably with Lichtenstein repair for primary indirect and direct hernias, and unilateral and bilateral recurrent hernias, but was inferior for primary bilateral hernias.

Adolescent↗

Planned inguinal herniorrhaphy but no hernia sac?

BACKGROUND: Planned inguinal herniorrhaphy may present a clinical dilemma when no hernia is found. No large-scale data are available on the incidence of this problem, and, therefore, no recommendations exist for choice of surgical intervention. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data were extracted from the Danish Hernia Database covering the interval from 1 January 1998-5 April 2002, and included 42,356 groin hernia repairs. Results. No hernia was found in 313 cases (0.74%). These patients were divided into three groups (lipomas, no pathology, and a "weak abdominal wall") and analysed according to surgical technique. There were 11 reoperations (3.5%) of which three were femoral and eight inguinal hernias, without differences between type of initial operation (herniorrhaphy or no herniorrhaphy). CONCLUSION: This study of 42,356 groin hernia repairs showed that in 313 patients (0.74%), no hernia was found. Recurrences did not occur with higher frequency in patients receiving no repair. Based on these data and the risk of chronic postherniorrhaphy pain, we suggest that no repair be performed when no inguinal hernia is found during planned inguinal herniorrhaphy.

Denmark↗

Convalescence after inguinal herniorrhaphy.

BACKGROUND: Convalescence after inguinal herniorrhaphy is usually 3-4 weeks and is an important outcome parameter of hernia surgery. The aim of this study was to describe in detail the consequences of recommending a short convalescence, including the risk of recurrence. METHODS: This was a multicentre prospective questionnaire study in patients given a recommendation for short convalescence (1 day); information was recorded on expected length of convalescence, employment status, physical workload and limiting factors. The reoperation rate in patients included in the study (group 1, n = 1059) was compared with that for comparable patients treated in participating departments but not part of the study group (group 2, n = 1306) and patients in the Danish Hernia Database (group 3, n = 8297). RESULTS: The median time off work was 7 days and the time interval before carrying out the most strenuous leisure activity was 14 days. After 30 days, 6.8 per cent of patients had not resumed employment and 17.0 per cent had not yet resumed strenuous leisure activity. Important reasons for not resuming work and leisure activity were pain (approximately 60 per cent of patients) and wound problems (approximately 20 per cent). The reoperation rate in group 1 at the median observation time was 0.7 per cent, which was no different to that in group 2 (1.6 per cent) (P = 0.186) or group 3 (1.4 per cent) (P = 0.092). CONCLUSION: Reduced convalescence after inguinal herniorrhaphy may be recommended without incurring a risk of higher reoperation rates. Pain and wound problems remain the most important factors for not resuming work or leisure activity as recommended.

Adult↗

Chronic pain after open mesh and sutured repair of indirect inguinal hernia in young males.

BACKGROUND: Chronic pain is common after herniorrhaphy, but the effect of surgical technique (mesh versus non-mesh repair) and the social consequences of the pain have not been established. The aim of this study was to analyse chronic postherniorrhaphy pain and its social consequences in young males operated on for an indirect inguinal hernia with a Lichtenstein mesh repair, Shouldice or Marcy (annulorrhaphy) repair. METHODS: This was a postal questionnaire study carried out within the Danish and Swedish Hernia Database Collaboration. Some 2612 patients responded (response rate 80.9 per cent), of whom 1250 had undergone a Lichtenstein, 630 a Shouldice and 732 a Marcy repair. RESULTS: Chronic pain had been experienced within the previous month by 22.9 per cent of the patients who responded. There was an overall decrease in pain with time, from 29.7 per cent at 6-12 months to 18.1 per cent at 37-48 months after surgery, with no overall differences between the three types of repair. Pain was more common in patients younger than 40 years of age. Some 3.9 per cent of patients described the pain as moderate to severe and as frequent or constant. Of all patients with pain, 10.7 per cent experienced it as worse after than before surgery, and 56.6 per cent stated that it interfered with social activities. CONCLUSION: Chronic pain is common after primary inguinal hernia repair in young males, but there is no difference in the pain associated with open mesh and non-mesh repair.

Adolescent↗

Chronic postherniorrhaphy pain--a call for uniform assessment.

The reported incidence of chronic postherniorrhaphy pain is estimated to be 10-15% and therefore has considerable socio-economic consequences. Interpretation of available data regarding pathogenesis, relation to surgical techniques, and postoperative pain treatment is hindered by differences in the description and definition of postherniorrhaphy pain. We propose a scheme for uniform assessment of chronic postherniorrhaphy pain in order to facilitate interpretation of future studies.

Chronic Disease↗

Risk of femoral hernia after inguinal herniorrhaphy.

BACKGROUND: Small case series have suggested an increased risk of femoral hernia after previous inguinal herniorrhaphy, but no large-scale data with complete follow-up are available. METHODS: Data were extracted from the Danish Hernia Database covering the interval from 1 January 1998 to 1 July 2001, and included 34 849 groin hernia repairs. RESULTS: Of 1297 femoral hernia repairs, 71 patients had previously had an operation for inguinal hernia within the observation period. These 71 femoral hernias represented 7.9 per cent of all reoperations for groin hernia recorded in the database. The median time to reoperation for a 'recurrent' femoral hernia after previous inguinal herniorrhaphy was 7 months, compared with 10 months for inguinal recurrences. The risk of developing a 'recurrent' femoral hernia after previous inguinal herniorrhaphy was 15 times higher than the rate of femoral hernia repair in the general population. CONCLUSION: This study of 34 849 groin hernia repairs demonstrated a 15-fold greater incidence of femoral hernia after inguinal herniorrhaphy compared with the spontaneous incidence. These femoral recurrences occurred earlier than inguinal recurrences, suggesting that they were possibly femoral hernias overlooked at the primary operation.

Adult↗

[Gastroesophageal reflux surgery in Denmark 1997-1999].

INTRODUCTION: The incidence and length of postoperative stay in hospital in Denmark after oesophageal reflux surgery has not been described previously. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We examined the national patient hospital register and discharge information from the hospitals for the number of reflux operations carried out, the length of postoperative hospital stay, readmissions, and postoperative complications occurring within 30 days in the period, 1997-1999. RESULTS: Twenty-four departments performed 4.9 operations/100,000 inhabitants per year, corresponding to 788 operations. The postoperative 30-day mortality was 0.4% and 6.6% of the operations were followed by serious surgical complications. The combined primary + readmission hospital stay was 3.7 days in the first postoperative month. DISCUSSION: The small number of oesophageal reflux operations performed in many departments in Denmark is not in agreement with the Danish National Board of Health recommendations from 1996, which say that the operations should be done in only five departments. The spreading of surgery means that only few surgeons can reach sufficient training of surgery and that statistical comparison between the departments of the early results of treatment is not meaningful. Overall, national results are comparable to international results. The incidence of oesophageal reflux surgery is about three times lower than in other Scandinavian countries. On these results, it is recommended that the operation is performed in fewer departments and by fewer surgeons.

Clinical Competence↗

Quality assessment of 26,304 herniorrhaphies in Denmark: a prospective nationwide study.

BACKGROUND: Groin hernia repair is one of the most frequent operations, but there is no consensus about surgical or anaesthetic technique. Furthermore, no nationwide studies have been done. Our aim was to investigate outcome results of groin hernia surgery to improve quality of treatment. METHODS: We prospectively recorded 26304 groin hernia repairs done in Denmark from Jan 1, 1998, to June 30, 2000, in a nationwide Danish hernia database. FINDINGS: 93% of all groin herniorrhaphies done in Denmark in the 30 months of the study were recorded in the database. Kaplan-Meier estimates of reoperation rates 30 months after anterior mesh repair and laparoscopic repair were significantly lower than after sutured posterior wall repairs in primary inguinal hernia (2.2% and 2.6% vs 4.4%; p<0.0001). Reoperation rates were also lower with anterior mesh repair (6.1%; p<0.0001) and laparoscopic repair (3.4%; p<0.0001) than with sutured posterior wall repair (10.6%) after recurrent hernia. Use of Lichtenstein mesh repair increased from 33% in January, 1998, to 62% in June, 2000, whereas use of laparoscopic repair remained constant at about 5%. Kaplan-Meier estimates of reoperation rates were 2.8% in the first 15 months and 1.6% in the second (p=0.03). For elective repairs, only 59% of patients were treated on an outpatient basis, and only 18% had local anaesthesia. INTERPRETATION: Mesh repairs have a lower reoperation rate than conventional open repairs. Systematic prospective recording of treatment and outcome variables in a national clinical database improved the overall quality of surgical care. However, there is a large potential for cost savings and more efficient patient care with extended use of mesh techniques, outpatient surgery, and local anaesthesia.

Adult↗

Operative findings in recurrent hernia after a Lichtenstein procedure.

BACKGROUND: Recurrence after inguinal herniorraphy continues to be a problem, although the Lichtenstein technique (anterior, open fixated sheet mesh) is associated with reduced recurrence rates. Recurrence after Lichtenstein repair is suspected to be caused by insufficient fixation and overlap at the pubic tubercle. METHODS: A review was made of 87 records from operations for recurrence after a previous Lichtenstein procedure, based upon national and large area data bases, recording 95% (Denmark) and 50% (Sweden) of all inguinal hernia operations. RESULTS: Direct recurrences were found in 62%, whereas the remaining recurrences were either indirect (17%), femoral (13%), or other/unclassified (8%). CONCLUSION: The most plausible explanation for the development of the direct recurrences is an insufficient medial mesh fixation and overlap over the pubic tubercle. Avoidance of more than half of the recurrences after the Lichtenstein repair may be obtained by increased attention to this specific technical aspect of the operation.

Hernia, Inguinal↗

Pain and functional impairment 1 year after inguinal herniorrhaphy: a nationwide questionnaire study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence of groin pain 1 year after inguinal herniorrhaphy and to assess the influence of chronic groin pain on function. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: The reported incidence of chronic pain after inguinal herniorrhaphy varies from 0% to 37%. No cross-sectional cohort studies with high follow-up rates have addressed this problem, and there is a lack of assessment of the functional consequences of chronic groin pain after herniorrhaphy. METHODS: Two sets of self-administered questionnaires were mailed 1 year after surgery. The first established the incidence of chronic groin pain. The second characterized the pain and the effect of the pain on the function of those reporting pain. The study population comprised patients older than age 18 years registered in the Danish Hernia Database who underwent surgery between February 1, 1998, and March 31, 1998. RESULTS: The response rate to the first questionnaire was 80.8%. Pain in the groin area was reported by 28.7%, and 11.0% reported that pain was interfering with work or leisure activity. Older patients had a lower incidence of pain. There were no differences in the incidence of pain with regard to the different types of hernia, the different types of surgical repairs, or the different types of anesthesia. The second questionnaire was returned by 83%. Of these, 46 (4%) reported constant pain. The intensity of pain while at rest was moderate or severe in 40 (3%); with physical activity, pain was moderate or severe in 91 (8%). Impairment of specific daily activities as a result of pain was reported by 194 (16.6%). Pain characteristics were predominantly sensory, with a low use of affective terms. CONCLUSION: One year after inguinal hernia repair, pain is common (28.7%) and is associated with functional impairment in more than half of those with pain. These factors should be addressed when discussing the need for surgical intervention for an inguinal hernia.

Adult↗

Levobupivacaine vs bupivacaine as infiltration anaesthesia in inguinal herniorrhaphy.

We have compared the anaesthetic and analgesic efficacy of levobupivacaine with that of racemic bupivacaine in 66 male patients undergoing ambulatory primary inguinal herniorrhaphy. Patients were allocated randomly in a double-blind manner to local infiltration anaesthesia (0.25% w/v 50 ml) with either racemic bupivacaine (n = 33) or levobupivacaine (n = 33). Scores for intraoperative pain and satisfaction with anaesthesia were recorded, together with perception of postoperative pain and need for supplementary postoperative analgesic medications in the first 48 h after operation. Intraoperative satisfaction with the infiltration anaesthesia was similar, with median scores of 77 (levobupivacaine) and 80 (bupivacaine) (VAS; 100 mm = extremely satisfied). Time averaged postoperative pain scores (48 h) were 8 (levobupivacaine) and 10 (bupivacaine) in the supine position, 13 (levobupivacaine) and 12 (bupivacaine) while rising from the supine position to sitting, and 9 (levobupivacaine) and 13 (bupivacaine) while walking (VAS; 100 mm = worst pain imaginable) (ns). There was no difference in the use of peroral postoperative analgesics between the two groups. We conclude that racemic bupivacaine and its S-enantiomer levobupivacaine had similar efficacy when used as local infiltration anaesthesia in inguinal herniorrhaphy.

Adult↗

[Risk factors of surgical wound infection].

The risk of developing a surgical wound infection depends on the balance between factors determining the number of bacteria contaminating the wound and factors determining the resistance of the wound against infection. Some of these factors are responsive to interventive strategies, aiming at lowering the frequency of surgical wound infection. It has been shown, that the use of prophylactic antibiotics and ultraclean-air operation room techniques are beneficial in certain types of surgery, while the use of blood transfusion increases the risk of wound infection. Evidence suggests that the use of laparoscopic techniques in abdominal surgery will decrease the risk of infection. Research in immunological factors and hypoxia have not yet contributed any clinically applicable types of prophylactic strategies.

Antibiotic Prophylaxis↗