CONVALESCENCE AFTER INGUINAL HERNIORRHAPHY

Background: The aim of this investigation was to evaluate factors infl uencing the length of convalescence after ambulant inguinal hernia rep air. Methods: One hundred and twenty-three patients were followed up t o assess when they returned to work, considered that they had regained full working capacity, and resumed leisure time activities. The lengt h of sick leave was recommended on the basis of the load of the occupa tion. Results: Half of the patients had a longer sick leave than recom mended by the surgeon. Active and heavy work showed an independent sig nificant positive correlation to the length of sick leave. Median sick leave among these patients was 42 days, which was the time they consi dered that they had regained full working capacity and 1 week after th ey had resumed their leisure time activities. Median sick leave among patients with sedentary or moderately active work was 9 days before re gaining full working capacity and 12 days before resuming leisure time activities. Conclusions: Other factors than load of work and surgeon' s advice seem to play a role in the patient's decision about when to r esume normal activities on the job.