Chronic Pain After Groin Hernia Repair, Impact of Method of Surgery

The Swedish Hernia Register (SHR) covers more than 98% of all groin hernia repairs in Sweden. Approximately 16.000 hernia repairs is performed annually. All patients are identified by the Swedish personal identification number (PIN), which is assigned at birth and used in virtually all contacts with Swedish healthcare and authorities.

All variables in the SHR are collected prospectively at the time of surgery, reported by the surgeon. Variables collected are numerous and contain among else age, gender, method of repair, anaesthesia type, hernia anatomy, recurrent or primary repair, sliding hernia, handling of the hernia sac, resident or consultant surgeon, annual surgeon volume, and type of unit.

A detailed variable list is found at the Swedish National Board of Welfare website (http://www.socialstyrelsen.se/register/registerservice/nationellakvalitetsregister/svensktbrackregister-nationell) Variables are validated thru annual validation of 10% of participating units where register data are checked against chart review made on a randomized sample of patients and units.

Patient can be registered more than once and be followed in time, which is possible by using the PIN.

Preoperative pain is not registered.