Purpose: To disclose the frequency of abdominal pain that led to post-procedure hospitalization and the outcome of this major complication.
Material and methods: 576 patients who had undergone herniography during a 13-year period were retrospectively analysed.
Results: Nine out of 576 patients (1.6%) undergoing herniography with an iodine contrast medium developed abdominal pain. The pain resolved within 24 h in 6 patients while 3 patients had pain for up to 3 days.
Conclusion: Patients who present with this pain syndrome thus only need careful clinical observation until asymptomatic, with no need for laparotomy or X-ray examination. Prior to herniography, the patients should be informed about this potential complication.