Evaluation of the impact of chronic pain on patients’ quality of life before and after inguinal hernioplasty

Abstract

This study aims at evaluating the impact of chronic pain on patient’s quality of life before and after undergoing inguinal hernioplasty (HPI). It is presented as a prospective cohort, composed of 67 patients submitted to inguinal hernioplasty, through Liechtenstein technique. The patients were evaluated using the SF-36 quality of life questionnaire, numerical pain rating scale (NPRS) and data collection tools. The collection occurred in two steps. The first step before the surgery and the second step 3 months later. Qualitative data was presented as simple and relative frequency, quantitative data was presented in average and standard deviation. As obtained outcomes, total pain prevalence reduced from 95.52% to 53.73% after three months of IHP. 41.79% remained with mild pain after HPI, 10.45% moderate, 1.48% severe and no patient reported unbearable pain. 80.60% of the patients who were in pain, succeeded in reducing the level after HPI. Among the SF36 domains, those who presented relevance, altered the average as follows: physical appearance, pain, functional capacity, mental health, social aspects and emotional aspects. The domains general health and vitality were not significant. Chronic pain did not have a great impact on patient’s quality of life after IHP. The reduction in the prevalence and intensity of pain after surgery, improvement in performing their activities and their body image are the driving factors in the great improvement of patient’s quality of life.