Hernia Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Hernia, including details on hiatal, inguinal, umbilical, abdominal, treatment. | ||||||
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Comparison of generic versus specific quality-of-life scales for mesh hernia repairs.Heniford BT, Walters AL, Lincourt AE, Novitsky YW, Hope WW, Kercher KW Carolinas Hernia Center, Division of Gastrointestinal and Minimally Invasive Surgery, Charlotte, NC 28203, USA. BACKGROUND: With the use of mesh shown to considerably reduce recurrence rates for hernia repair and the subsequent improvement in clinical outcomes, focus has now been placed on quality-of-life outcomes in patients undergoing these repairs, specifically, as they relate to the mesh prosthesis. Traditionally, quality of life after hernia surgery, like many other medical conditions, has been tested using the generic SF-36 survey. The SF-36 quality-of-life survey, although well studied and validated, may not be ideal for patients undergoing hernia repairs. We propose a new quality-of-life survey, the Carolinas Comfort Scale (CCS), pertaining specifically to patients undergoing hernia repair with mesh; our goal was to test the validity and reliability of this survey. STUDY DESIGN: The CCS questionnaire was mailed to 1,048 patients to assess its acceptability, responsiveness, and psychometric properties. The survey sample included patients who were at least 6 months out after hernia repair with mesh. Patients were asked to fill out the CCS and the generic SF-36 questionnaires, four questions comparing the two surveys, and their overall satisfaction relating to their hernia repair and mesh. RESULTS: The reliability of the CCS was confirmed by Cronbach's alpha coefficient (0.97). Test-retest validity was supported by the correlation found between two different administrations of the CCS; both Spearman's correlation coefficient and the kappa coefficient were important for each question of the CCS. Assessment of its discriminant validity showed that both the mean and median scores for satisfied patients were considerably lower than those for dissatisfied patients. Concurrent validity was demonstrated by the marked correlations found between the CCS and SF-36 questionnaire scales. When comparing the two surveys, 72% of patients preferred the CCS questionnaire, 80% believed it was easier to understand, 66% thought it was more reflective of their condition, and 69% said they would rather fill it out over the SF-36. CONCLUSIONS: The CCS better assesses quality of life and satisfaction of patients who have undergone surgical hernia repair than the generic SF-36. Published 4 April 2008 in J Am Coll Surg, 206(4): 638-44. Articles on Hernia published 25 March 2008: Occult ventral hernia defects: a common finding during laparoscopic ventral hernia repair. Am J Surg, 195(4): 471-3. BACKGROUND: In many incidences, laparoscopic exploration reveals occult ventral hernia defects that were not detected on physical examination. The objective of this study was to describe the frequency of occult ventral hernia defects detected during laparoscopy. METHODS: Prospectively collected data on 146 consecutive patients who underwent laparoscopic ventral hernia repair were reviewed. The numbers of ventral defects found on preoperative physical examination were compared with those found ... [Abstract] [Full-text] Reversal of transtentorial herniation with hypertonic saline. Neurology, 70(13): 1023-9. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the role of 23.4% saline in the management of transtentorial herniation (TTH) in patients with supratentorial lesions. METHODS: Consecutive patients with clinically defined TTH treated with 23.4% saline (30 to 60 mL) were included in a retrospective cohort. Factors associated with successful reversal of TTH were determined. RESULTS: Seventy-six TTH events occurred in 68 patients admitted with intracerebral hemorrhage (n = 29), subarachnoid hemorrhage (n = 16), stroke (n = ... [Abstract] [Full-text] Articles on Hernia published 10 March 2008: Human in vivo cellular response to a cross-linked acellular collagen implant. Br J Surg, 95(4): 438-46. BACKGROUND: Hernia surgery, in particular parastomal hernia mesh repair and new techniques for hernia prevention, require novel biomaterials that avoid fibrosis and potential bowel erosion, while retaining adequate strength for their intended purpose. The aim was to evaluate the human host response to an acellular porcine-derived cross-linked collagen implant. METHODS: In a prospective pilot study on prevention of parastomal herniation, 15 patients undergoing loop stoma formation had an implant ... [Abstract] [Full-text] Validation of an Inguinal Pain Questionnaire for assessment of chronic pain after groin hernia repair. Br J Surg, 95(4): 488-93. BACKGROUND: Long-term pain is an important outcome after inguinal hernia repair. The aim of this study was to test the validity and reliability of a specific Inguinal Pain Questionnaire (IPQ). METHODS: The study recruited patients aged between 15 and 85 years who had undergone primary inguinal or femoral hernia repair. To test the validity of the questionnaire, 100 patients received the IPQ and the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) 1 and 4 weeks after surgery (group 1). To test reliability and ... [Abstract] [Full-text] Articles on Hernia published 3 March 2008: Postdischarge follow-up of infants with congenital diaphragmatic hernia. Pediatrics, 121(3): 627-32. Infants with congenital diaphragmatic hernia often require intensive treatment after birth, have prolonged hospitalizations, and have other congenital anomalies. After discharge from the hospital, they may have long-term sequelae such as respiratory insufficiency, gastroesophageal reflux, poor growth, neurodevelopmental delay, behavior problems, hearing loss, hernia recurrence, and orthopedic deformities. Structured follow-up for these patients facilitates early recognition and treatment of ... [Abstract] [Full-text] Articles on Hernia published 29 February 2008: Traumatic flank hernias: acute and chronic management. Am J Surg, 195(3): 414-7; discussion 417. BACKGROUND: Traumatic flank hernias are increasingly recognized as occurring after severe blunt injury. To clarify the role and timing of operative therapy, we review here our recent experience. METHODS: A prospectively maintained database at Oklahoma's only level I trauma center was reviewed to identify all patients presenting with traumatic flank hernias. RESULTS: During the period from July 2001 through February 2007, 25 patients (.2% of all blunt trauma patients) had traumatic flank ... [Abstract] [Full-text] Articles on Hernia published 22 February 2008: Laparoscopic extraperitoneal inguinal hernia repair versus open mesh repair: long-term follow-up of a randomized controlled trial. Surgery, 143(3): 313-7. BACKGROUND: We have conducted a randomized controlled trial of totally extraperitoneal hernia repair (TEP) versus tension-free open repair (Lichtenstein repair); we have presented the results previously up to 1 year after the operation. The aim of this study was to compare patient outcome in both groups at a median follow-up of 7.3 years after operation. METHODS: Of 168 patients included in a prospective, randomized controlled trial designed to compare TEP with an open tension-free technique, ... [Abstract] [Full-text] Articles on Hernia published 18 February 2008: Accuracy of the withdrawal reflex for localization of the site of cervical disk herniation in dogs: 35 cases (2004-2007). J Am Vet Med Assoc, 232(4): 559-63. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the accuracy of neurologic examination versus magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in localization of cervical disk herniation and evaluate the usefulness of withdrawal reflex testing in dogs. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: 35 client-owned dogs with a single-level cervical disk herniation as determined via MRI. PROCEDURES: 1 of 2 board-certified neurologists performed a complete neurologic examination in each dog. Clinical signs of a cervical lesion included ... [Abstract] [Full-text] © 2004-2008 Hernia Research Today. All Rights Reserved. |
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