Background: A hernia service within a general hospital was prospectively evaluated to establish whether evidence-based protocols could deliver results comparable to those reported from specialist hernia clinics.
Methods: Protocols were devised according to established models. With the support of a nurse specialist, 1015 patients with inguinal hernia were treated. Quality-of-life analysis was undertaken using the Short Form 36.
Results: Patients ranged in age from 16-98 years (median, 56 years). Ambulatory day-case surgery was achieved in 820 patients (81%), with local anaesthesia in 891 (88%). Wound infection occurred in 10 patients (0.98%). Wound haematoma requiring surgical intervention occurred in three patients. Two patients formed wound seromas that settled spontaneously. One patient developed ischaemic orchitis resulting in testicular atrophy. At 5 days after operation, 91% of patients had returned to normal activity. At 1 year, 7 patients (0.7%) had pain sufficient to limit normal activity or employment. There were 8 recurrences (0.78%) at a median follow-up of 2.5 years. Quality-of-life was enhanced at 1 year postoperatively.
Conclusion: A protocol-driven hernia service within a general hospital can provide patient outcomes comparable to specialist hernia clinics.