Why Chronic Pain Remains an Important Challenge After Inguinal Hernia Repair
Successful hernia treatment is about more than repairing the physical defect. How a patient feels in the weeks, months and years following treatment is also important.
One issue that has received considerable attention within hernia research is chronic postoperative inguinal pain.
International guidelines define chronic postoperative inguinal pain as bothersome moderate pain affecting daily activities and lasting for at least three months following surgery. Guidelines have reported chronic postoperative inguinal pain as a significant complication following inguinal hernia repair. Read More
Why Can Chronic Pain Occur?
The groin contains a complex network of nerves and tissues. Surgery in this area can therefore present challenges.
A range of factors may influence postoperative pain, including the original hernia, surgical approach, nerve involvement and individual patient factors.
International guidelines consequently identify reducing chronic pain alongside reducing recurrence as important objectives in improving groin hernia treatment. Read More
Can Less Invasive Treatment Help?
One of the principles behind minimally invasive medicine is reducing unnecessary tissue disruption.
This approach has transformed many areas of healthcare. Rather than relying solely on larger surgical access points, clinicians can increasingly use specialised delivery systems and medical devices to reach treatment areas through smaller access points.
PerQHern is applying this philosophy to inguinal hernia repair.
Our technology is being developed around a percutaneous delivery system designed to avoid conventional surgical incisions and deliver a specially designed mesh to the repair site.
Rethinking Hernia Repair
Chronic pain illustrates why there remains scope for innovation in a procedure that has been performed for generations.
The future of hernia repair should not simply be about successfully repairing the hernia. It should also focus on the overall patient experience, recovery and long-term quality of life.
