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Evaluating postherniorrhaphy groin pain: Visual Analogue or Verbal Rating Scale?

Hernia volume 12, pages 147–151 (2008)Cite this article

Abstract

Introduction

Several tools for pain measurement including a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and a Verbal Rating Scale (VRS) are currently used in patients with chronic pain. The aim of the present study was to determine which of these two pain tests performs optimally in patients following groin hernia repair.

Patients and methods

A questionnaire identified pain level in a cohort of patients that had previously undergone corrective groin hernia surgery. Current pain intensity was graded on a four-point VRS scale (no pain, mild, moderate or severe pain) and on a 100-mm VAS scale (0 = no pain, 100 = unbearable). “Scale failure” (one or both tests not completed correctly) was determined, and cut-off points for the VAS test were calculated by creating the optimum kappa coefficient between both tools.

Results

The response rate was 78.2% (706/903). Scale failure was present in VAS tests more than VRS (VAS: 12.5%, 88/706 vs. VRS: 2.8%, 20/706; P < 0.001). Advanced age was a risk factor for scale failure (P < 0.001). The four categories of VRS corresponded to mean VAS scores of 1, 20, 42, and 78 mm, respectively. VAS categories associated with the highest kappa coefficient (k = 0.78) were as follows: 0–8 = no pain, 9–32 = mild, 33–71 = moderate, >71 = severe pain. VAS scores grouped per VRS category showed considerable overlap. Age and sex did not significantly influence cut-off points.

Conclusions

Because of lower scale failure rates and overlapping VAS scores per VRS category, the VRS should be favored over the VAS in future postherniorrhaphy pain assessment. If VAS is preferred, the presented cut-off points should be utilized.

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Affiliations

  1. Department of Surgery, Máxima Medical Centre, PO Box 7777, De Run 4600, 5500 MB, Veldhoven, The Netherlands

    M. J. A. Loos, M. R. M. Scheltinga & R. M. H. Roumen

  2. MMC Academy, Máxima Medical Centre, PO Box 7777, De Run 4600, 5500 MB, Veldhoven, The Netherlands

    S. Houterman

Authors
  1. M. J. A. Loos
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  2. S. Houterman
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  3. M. R. M. Scheltinga
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  4. R. M. H. Roumen
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to M. J. A. Loos.

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This study was unfunded.

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Loos, M.J.A., Houterman, S., Scheltinga, M.R.M. et al. Evaluating postherniorrhaphy groin pain: Visual Analogue or Verbal Rating Scale?. Hernia 12, 147–151 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10029-007-0301-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10029-007-0301-9

Keywords

  • Groin pain
  • Visual Analogue Scale
  • Verbal Rating Scale
  • Hernia repair