Objective: To assess the pattern of long term complications of inguinal hernia repair.
Design: A prospective, descriptive study.
Patients: Eighty six consecutive patients who presented with symptoms and signs of long-term complications of inguinal hernia repair.
Setting: Out patient clinic of a rural hospital at Mityana in Uganda.
Results: A number of long term complications of inguinal hernia repair were discovered. The most frequent was recurrence of hernia (42%) followed by stitch absesses/sinuses (24.2%). Others included intestinal obstruction, faecal/urine fistulae, painful scars/neuromas, unilateral/bilateral testicular atrophy, impotence, hydrocele, multiple incision scars on same side and hypertrophic scars. Complications were more prevalent between 50-70 years. In children the majority of repairs were done below 10 years.
Conclusion: Majority of these complications could be avoided by first investigating for the aetiology of the hernia in elective cases, use of better surgical techniques and expertise. Good follow up is essential to avert distressing complications like testicular atrophy, faecal and urine fistulae.