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Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://wslhd.intersearch.com.au/wslhdjspui/handle/1/7254
TitleImpact of ultrasound on inguinal hernia repair rates in Australia: a population-based analysis
Authors: Williams, M. L.;McCarthy, A. S. E.;Lord, S. J.;Aczel, T.;Brooke-Cowden, Geoffrey L.
WSLHD Author: Brooke-Cowden, Geoffrey L.
Issue Date: 2021
Citation: ANZ Journal of Surgery 91(7-8):1604-1609, 2021
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Inguinal hernias are a common pathology that often requires surgical management. The use of groin ultrasound (GU) to investigate inguinal hernias is a growing area of concern as an inefficient use of healthcare resources. Our aim was to assess changes in the rates of GU and the impact on surgical practice.METHODS: Medicare Item Reports and the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare Database were used to estimate annual GU and inguinal hernia repair (IHR) rates per 100 000 population for the period 2000/2001-2017/2018. Pearson's correlation coefficients and linear regression analyses were performed to assess associations between these variables.RESULTS: Over the 18-year period, GU rates increased 13-fold from 88 to 1174 per 100 000 population. Overall, total IHR rates decreased from 217 to 192 per 100 000. Overall, unilateral IHR rates have decreased (182-146 per 100 000), bilateral IHRs have increased (35-46 per 100 000), laparoscopic IHR has increased (30-86 per 100 000) and open surgery has declined (187-106 per 100 000). The increase in GU rates were strongly associated with the decrease in unilateral (r = -0.936, P = <0.001) and increase in bilateral IHR rates (r = 0.924, P = <0.001).CONCLUSION: The use of GU has increased substantially, potentially representing an unnecessary cost to the healthcare system. Rising GU rates are not associated with an increase in IHR, however, may contribute to the increasing rates of bilateral IHRs. This study supports the opinion that more extensive clinical and health policy initiatives are needed in Australia to address this health issue.
URI: https://wslhd.intersearch.com.au/wslhdjspui/handle/1/7254
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.1111/ans.16845
Journal: ANZ Journal of Surgery
Type: Journal Article
Department: Surgery
Facility: Auburn
Keywords: Australia
Hernia, Inguinal
Herniorrhaphy
Laparoscopy
Appears in Collections:Auburn Hospital

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