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Introduction <p> Despite advancements in inguinal hernia repair techniques and implants, surveillance rates remain low, thus limiting our understanding of long-term outcomes such as chronic pain. This study evaluates the implementation of a standardized telemedicine-based follow-up program intended to improve long-term surveillance following inguinal hernia repair.</p> Methods <p>This is a retrospective cohort study comparing a standardized telemedicine-based surveillance program versus traditional in-person surgeon-driven follow-up for patients who underwent inguinal hernia repair. Follow-up adherence at 12- and 24-months were the primary outcomes of interest.</p> Results <p>Telemedicine-based surveillance significantly improved long term follow-up adherence; 66% vs. 47% at 12 months and 44% vs. 6% at 24 months (<i>p</i> &lt; 0.001). There were no significant differences in recurrence rates or post operative complications. Virtual surveillance identified a patient concern in 15.6% of cases, and subsequently resulted in imaging or an in-person evaluation in 4.5% of cases.</p> Conclusions <p>Telemedicine-based surveillance is an effective and resource-conscious option for long-term follow-up after inguinal hernia repairs. Utilizing virtual surveillance methods increased follow-up adherence, identified patient concerns, and facilitated prompt interventions.</p>

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Telemedicine-enabled surveillance after hernia repair: A prospective programmatic experience

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年2月23日

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  • Rebecca Prymak,
  • Shan L. Kalmeta,
  • Maggie E. Bosley,
  • Kennedy Emerson,
  • Kathleen Forgue,
  • Ailie Balke,
  • Vahagn C. Nikolian

摘要

Introduction

Despite advancements in inguinal hernia repair techniques and implants, surveillance rates remain low, thus limiting our understanding of long-term outcomes such as chronic pain. This study evaluates the implementation of a standardized telemedicine-based follow-up program intended to improve long-term surveillance following inguinal hernia repair.

Methods

This is a retrospective cohort study comparing a standardized telemedicine-based surveillance program versus traditional in-person surgeon-driven follow-up for patients who underwent inguinal hernia repair. Follow-up adherence at 12- and 24-months were the primary outcomes of interest.

Results

Telemedicine-based surveillance significantly improved long term follow-up adherence; 66% vs. 47% at 12 months and 44% vs. 6% at 24 months (p < 0.001). There were no significant differences in recurrence rates or post operative complications. Virtual surveillance identified a patient concern in 15.6% of cases, and subsequently resulted in imaging or an in-person evaluation in 4.5% of cases.

Conclusions

Telemedicine-based surveillance is an effective and resource-conscious option for long-term follow-up after inguinal hernia repairs. Utilizing virtual surveillance methods increased follow-up adherence, identified patient concerns, and facilitated prompt interventions.