Factors associated with postoperative complications and hernia recurrence for patients undergoing inguinal hernia repair: a report from the VA Cooperative Hernia Study Group

Background We sought to determine perioperative variables predictive of complications or recurrence for patients undergoing surgical repair of inguinal hernias. Patients and Methods Using data from the Veterans Affairs trial, regression analyses were utilized to identify perioperative factors significantly associated with complications (overall, short-term and long-term), long-term pain, and to develop a risk model for recurrence. Results Recurrent and scrotal hernias were predictors for short term and overall complications, regardless of technique. Older age and higher Mental Component Score of the SF-36 were associated with higher risk of long term complications in the open group while prostatism and increased body mass index were the significant predictors in the laparoscopic group. Long-term pain complaints decreased as patient age increased in both groups. Patient and surgeon factors were predictive of recurrence but varied greatly depending on surgical technique. Conclusions Regardless of technique, scrotal and recurrent hernias were associated with a greater risk of complications and younger patients had more long-term pain. Predictors of recurrence vary based on surgical technique.