Survey of post-operative instructions after inguinal hernia repair in England in 2012.

INTRODUCTION: The annual cost of employee absences from work to UK business is estimated to be £32 billion, with routine post-operative recovery time being the second commonest reason for employee absence. We surveyed what post-operative instructions are currently being given to patients by surgeons after inguinal hernia repair in England. METHODS: Acute trusts were emailed in England asking for leaflets and patients information regarding inguinal hernia repair under the Freedom of Information Act (2000). RESULTS: A total of 128 (89.5 %) trusts replied. Leaflets were returned by 93 (65%) trusts. After inguinal hernia repair, the time to return to work varied widely according to office work (range 1-6 weeks) and manual labour work (range 2-12 weeks). The time advised to return to driving ranged from 24 h to 6 weeks. The time advised before allowing sexual activities ranged from 1 to 4 weeks and return to sports ranged from 2 to 12 weeks after hernia repair. CONCLUSION: Surgeons and trusts should be able to provide patients with printed consistent and accurate information regarding their post-operative recovery time, including return to driving and return to work.