TRUSSES IN THE MANAGEMENT OF HERNIA TODAY

In the UK an estimated 40 000 trusses are issued annually. The rate of 700 per million is higher than that presently found in other countrie s and may be because of reduced access to surgery. Despite the high us e of trusses little has been published on their effectiveness, complic ation rates and value. This review summarizes current knowledge, and c oncludes that further studies on the benefits and effectiveness of tru sses need to be performed to enable patients to receive appropriate ad vice and guidance.