Does inguinal hernia repair influence on quality of life of elderly males?]
INTRODUCTION: Inguinal hernia repair is a common surgical intervention in elderly which can affect quality of life in the future of these patients. Aim of the study is to assess the quality of life of elderly males after inguinal hernia repair compared with a similar group of male patients without any operation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A group of 40 male patients between the age of 60-80, in time up to 2 years after Lichtenstein hernia repair was compared with the same age 50 healthy males not operated in previous 2 years by 2 questionnaires: international Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index (GQLI) and national Gerontologic Society Investigation Questionnaire to assess possible differences in their quality of life. Both groups were comparable and operation techniques were identical. RESULTS: Hernia repair resulted in 12 complications (30%): wound infections – 3, serous exudate – 1, chronic pains – 2, inflammatory infiltration – 4, loose sutures – 2. Overall GQLI score in hernia operat