Abstract
Purpose Patients undergoing surgery can be impaired in several health-related quality of life areas. As a result, a modern and effective presentation of medical information before elective surgery is of great importance. Thorough preoperative education of the patient could possibly lead to an improvement of postoperative quality of life.
Materials and methods In a prospective randomized study we examined the influence of a preoperative informative video on the postoperative quality of life of patients undergoing elective surgery for inguinal hernia. Quality of life was assessed with a short form questionnaire (SF-36) preoperatively, on the first postoperative day and 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery.
Results From January 2004 until January 2005, 100 patients were included in the study (video group n = 50 patients, control group n = 50 patients). Quality of life was measured higher in the video group soon after surgery and until 3 months afterwards. In the same group other aspects evaluated such as “global health” and “social role” showed higher values postoperatively and resumption of preoperative activities took place earlier. No difference was detectable 6 months after surgery.
Conclusion Informative video presents a modern and cost-effective method for the justified and detailed education of the patient about the several pre-, intra-, and postoperative steps of an elective groin hernia operation. The higher information level and the better conditions of surgical care, as the patients perceive these, lead to a better postoperative quality of life.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Zieren, J., Paul, M., Menenakos, C., Neuss, H., & Muller, J. M. (2006). First clinical experience with a video presentation informing patients before surgery for inguinal hernia. Chirurg, 77, 150–153.
Nyhus, L. M. (1993). Individualization of hernia repair: a new era. Surgery, 114, 1–2.
Zieren, J., Paul, M., Neuss, H., & Muller, J. M. (2004). Patient expectations before elective surgery of inguinal hernia. What are the sequelae for ambulatory surgery of inguinal hernia with reference to DRG? Chirurg, 75, 515–518.
Bay-Nielsen, M., Thomsen, H., Andersen, F. H., Bendix, J. H., Sorensen, O. K., Skovgaard, N., & Kehlet, H. (2004). Convalescence after inguinal herniorrhaphy. British Journal of Surgery, 91, 362–367.
Klima, S., Hein, W., Hube, A., & Hube, R. (2005). Multimedia preoperative patient information. Chirurg, 76, 398–403. [Article in German]
Pager, C. K. (2005). Randomised controlled trial of preoperative information to improve satisfaction with cataract surgery. British Journal of Ophthalmology, 89, 10–13.
Rossi, M., McClellan, R., Chou, L., & Davis, K. (2004). Informed consent for ankle fracture surgery: patient comprehension of verbal and videotaped information. Foot and Ankle International, 25, 756–762.
Wirshing, D. A., Sergi, M. J., & Mintz, J. (2005). A videotape intervention to enhance the informed consent process for medical and psychiatric treatment research. American Journal of Psychiatry, 162, 186–188.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Zieren, J., Menenakos, C. & Mueller, J.M. Does an informative video before inguinal hernia surgical repair influence postoperative quality of life? Results of a prospective randomized study. Qual Life Res 16, 725–729 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11136-007-9171-y
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11136-007-9171-y