The plug method in inguinal hernia: Prospective evaluation of postoperative pain and disability

The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the postoperative pain and disability after treatment of inguinal hernia by the plug technique. Postoperative pain, main organic functions, mobility, return to normal activities and absence from work were prospectively assessed in 118 consecutive patients. Only 3 benign postoperative complications (2.5%) occurred. The mean postoperative pain as assessed by visual analogue scale was 20.3 ± 15.1 mm/100. The mean duration of analgesic consumption was 2.7 ± 1.6 days and the mean total number of capsules was 7.1 ± 4.7. The percentages of patients capable of eating lunch the day of operation, passing urine, walking and bending forward without difficulty 6 hours after operation were 97.5,97.4, 97.5 and 85.6 respectively. The mean postoperative hospital stay was 1.2 ± 0.6 days. The mean times of first outdoor walking, return to normal activities and return to work were 1.5 ± 1, 3.6 ± 2.2 and 15.2 ± 8.9 days respectively. These results show that the plug technique provides a low complication rate, a low level of pain, and allows early resumption of full activity.