This is the Scientific Surgery Archive, which contains all randomized clinical trials in surgery that have been identified by searching the top 50 English language medical journal issues since January 1998. Compiled by Jonothan J. Earnshaw, former Editor-in-Chief, BJS
Validation of an Inguinal Pain Questionnaire for assessment of chronic pain after groin hernia repair. BJS 2008; 95: 488-493.
Published: 28th December 2007
Authors: U. Fränneby, U. Gunnarsson, M. Andersson, R. Heuman, P. Nordin, O. Nyrén et al.
Background
Long‐term pain is an important outcome after inguinal hernia repair. The aim of this study was to test the validity and reliability of a specific Inguinal Pain Questionnaire (IPQ).
Method
The study recruited patients aged between 15 and 85 years who had undergone primary inguinal or femoral hernia repair. To test the validity of the questionnaire, 100 patients received the IPQ and the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) 1 and 4 weeks after surgery (group 1). To test reliability and internal consistency, 100 patients received the IPQ on two occasions 1 month apart, 3 years after surgery (group 2). Non‐surgery‐related pain was analysed in group 3 (2853 patients).
Results
A significant decrease in IPQ‐rated pain intensity was observed in the first 4 weeks after surgery (P < 0·001). Significant correlations with corresponding BPI pain intensity items corroborated the criterion validity (P < 0·050). Logical incoherence did not exceed 5·5 per cent for any item. Values for κ in the test–retest in group 2 were higher than 0·5 for all but three items. Cronbach's α was 0·83 for questions on pain intensity and 0·74 for interference with daily activities.
Conclusion
This study found good validity and reliability for the IPQ, making it a useful instrument for assessing pain following groin hernia repair. Copyright © 2007 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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