P088 SURGEON AS A RISK FACTOR OF REDUCED EURAHS QOL SCORE AFTER HERNIA REPAIR

Aim Our aim was to analyze patient’s reported EuraHS QoL (quality of life) scores before and after hernia surgery. And find whether the result is surgeon dependent or not, because hernia repair often serves as a training surgery for young surgeons or is performed by surgeons with no hernia interest. However, even a simple groin hernia repair can lead to life-long pain or reduced QoL and the risk of complications following incisional hernia repair is much higher. Material and Methods We have utilized the EuraHS database and its QoL questionnaire and prospectively entered all patients undergoing any hernia repair at our department since Jan. 2019. Results 519 patients have been included. Many patients in the incisional hernia cohort have reported no or very little symptoms before the operation. Only 251 have completed their 1 month follow-up with the QoL questionnaire. 63 patients have been contacted and questioned 1 year post-surgery to this date. In 6 cases the QoL scores are lower than pre-repair. 45 patients had a record of major complication or reoccurrence requiring surgery so far. Unfortunately 31 of those did not fill up the QoL questionnaire. 37 were operated on by resident with a supervision of a surgeon without a hernia interest. Conclusions Results of hernia repair are surgeon dependent and an internal audit of current practices is needed at many general surgery departments.