Postoperative chronic groin pain after open inguinal hernioplasty – a hospital-based assessment of prevalence and severity

Amir Mohamed; Princess Merem; Yafas N. Khan; Charunmayi L. B. Adari; Shrivatsam Paidi

doi:10.18203/2349-2902.isj20263834

Authors

Amir Mohamed Elrazi University, Khartoum, Sudan
Princess Merem School of Medicine, International University of the Health Sciences (IUHS), Winnipeg, Canada
Yafas N. Khan Sheri Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences Soura, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India
Charunmayi L. B. Adari Government Medical College, Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh, India
Shrivatsam Paidi Government Medical College, Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2349-2902.isj20263834

Keywords:

Inguinal hernia, Hernioplasty, Chronic postoperative pain, Inguinodynia, Visual analogue scale

Abstract

Background: Chronic postoperative inguinal pain, or inguinodynia, is an important long-term complication following inguinal hernia repair and may adversely affect daily activities and quality of life. This study assessed its prevalence and severity following open inguinal hernioplasty.

Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted among adult patients undergoing open inguinal hernioplasty at King George Hospital, Visakhapatnam, during 2025-2026. A total of 164 patients were included by consecutive sampling. Demographic and clinical data were collected through medical records and postoperative follow-up interviews. Chronic inguinal pain and pain intensity were assessed using the visual analogue scale.

Results: Among 164 patients, males constituted 85.4% and females 14.6%. The most common age group was 45-54 years (29.9%). Chronic postoperative inguinal pain was reported in 28 patients, giving a prevalence of 17.1%. Among patients with inguinodynia, moderate pain was most frequently reported (42.9%), followed by mild pain (32.1%), severe pain (14.3%), and very severe pain (10.7%). NSAID use was reported by 21 patients (12.8%).

Conclusions: Chronic postoperative inguinal pain occurred in 17.1% of patients following open inguinal hernioplasty. Most symptomatic patients experienced mild to moderate pain, although severe pain occurred in a smaller proportion. Structured postoperative surveillance may facilitate early recognition and appropriate management of persistent inguinodynia.

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