Purpose: A growing proportion of inguinal hernia patients are at least 65 years old. Assessing operational benefits versus risks in this group of elderly patients merits research.
Methods: Patients in two prospective trials (1:n = 134, 89 elderly; 2:n = 398, 70 elderly) completed RAND-36 questionnaires preoperatively (response rate 100 and 98.5 %, respectively) and at 3 (98.5 %) or 12 months (89.6 %) after open inguinal hernia repair. In both groups, preoperative and postoperative quality of life data were statistically compared within age categories. Quality of life change was compared between age categories. Immediate complications were recorded.
Results: The dimensions physical functioning and pain improved significantly in the elderly and under 65-year-olds. Role functioning/physical and social functioning showed improvement as well, but less constantly. No statistical difference in complication rates was found across age groups.
Conclusion: Inguinal hernia surgery improves physical and social dimensions of quality of life among elderly and under 65-year-olds similarly.