Postoperative chronic groin pain after open inguinal hernioplasty – a hospital-based assessment of prevalence and severity

Background: Chronic postoperative inguinal pain, or inguinodynia, is an important long-term complication following inguinal hernia repair and may adversely affect daily activities and quality of life. This study assessed its prevalence and severity following open inguinal hernioplasty. Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted among adult patients undergoing open inguinal hernioplasty at King George Hospital, Visakhapatnam, during 2025-2026. A total of 164 patients were included by consecutive sampling. Demographic and clinical data were collected through medical records and postoperative follow-up interviews. Chronic inguinal pain and pain intensity were assessed using the visual analogue scale. Results: Among 164 patients, males constituted 85.4% and females 14.6%. The most common age group was 45-54 years (29.9%). Chronic postoperative inguinal pain was reported in 28 patients, giving a prevalence of 17.1%. Among patients with inguinodynia, moderate pain was most frequently reported (42.9%), followed by mild pain (32.1%), severe pain (14.3%), and very severe pain (10.7%). NSAID use was reported by 21 patients (12.8%). Conclusions: Chronic postoperative inguinal pain occurred in 17.1% of patients following open inguinal hernioplasty. Most symptomatic patients experienced mild to moderate pain, although severe pain occurred in a smaller proportion. Structured postoperative surveillance may facilitate early recognition and appropriate management of persistent inguinodynia.