Early inpatient patient-reported recovery experiences after open inguinal hernia repair in Pakistan: a qualitative phenomenological study

Successful inguinal hernia repair is usually measured by chronic post-operative pain severity, recurrence, and symptom resolution. These outcomes do not fully reflect patients’ experiences and perceptions of recovery. This study explored patient-reported outcomes in the early post-operative period to provide insights for improving counselling, care, and patient satisfaction.

This qualitative phenomenological study was conducted in the surgical units of Aziz Fatimah Hospital, Pakistan, from August to December 2025. Patients aged 18–75 years without post-operative complications were recruited via purposive sampling. Following COREQ guidelines, semi-structured interviews were conducted with informed consent, audio recorded, and transcribed. Reflexive thematic analysis was performed concurrently until thematic saturation.

Analysis unveiled four themes, i.e., Physical Recovery, Functional recovery and return to daily life, Psychological response, Surgery and recovery experience. Most patients reported experiencing mild to moderate post-operative pain; a few found it an acceptable part of healing, while a few reported no pain. Some patients reported tightness, backache, and sleeping difficulties. Patients desired to resume daily activities but avoid heavy lifting. Functional recovery varied. Anticipatory fears and concerns of patients were relieved by a smooth surgical experience.

Patients’ early postoperative experiences encompassed physical and functional recovery, psychological response, and surgical and recovery experience, revealing that recovery is a multidimensional process extending beyond pain resolution. This study highlights the functional, psychological, and emotional needs of patients that should be understood to improve patient care and satisfaction. Longitudinal studies can help understand patient experiences over a longer timeframe.