van Veenendaal N, Poelman MM, van den Heuvel B, Dwars BJ, Schreurs WH, Stoot JHMB, Bonjer HJ. The PINCH-Phone: a new screenings method for recurrent incisional hernias.
Surg Endosc 2019;
33:2794-2801. [PMID:
30430246 PMCID:
PMC6684537 DOI:
10.1007/s00464-018-6567-4]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2018] [Accepted: 10/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Debate persists on the optimal management of incisional hernias due to paucity of accurate recurrence rates. Reoperation rates implicate a severe underestimation of the risk of a recurrence. Therefore, long-term postoperative clinic visits allowing physical examination of the abdomen are deemed necessary. However, these are time and costs consuming. Aim of this study was to develop and evaluate a new screenings method for recurrent hernias, the 'PINCH-Phone' (Post-INCisional-Hernia repair-Phone).
METHODS
The PINCH-Phone is a telephone questionnaire. In this multicenter prospective study, the PINCH-Phone was answered by patients after incisional hernia repair. Afterwards the patients were seen at the clinic and physical examination was done to detect any recurrences.
RESULTS
The PINCH-Phone questions were answered by 210 patients with a median postoperative follow-up of 36 months. Fifty-six patients were seen after multiple incisional hernia repairs. In 137 patients who had replied positively to one or more questions, 28 recurrent incisional hernias were detected at physical examination. Six recurrences were noted in 73 patients who had replied negatively to all questions. The overall sensitivity and specificity of the PINCH-Phone were 82% and 38%, respectively.
CONCLUSION
The PINCH-Phone appears a simple and valuable screenings method for recurrences after incisional hernia repair and, hence, is recommended for implementation.
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