When to return to work after groin hernia repair

Abstract Inguinal herniorrhaphy is one of the most common operations conducted in general surgery. A questionnaire was prepared to ascertain the opinions of surgeons and general practitioners (GPs) about the recommended postoperative time-off work following inguinal herniorrhaphy and the factors that influence this decision. Questionnaires were sent to GPs of nine of the eleven Health Areas of Madrid and 262 Services of General Surgery in Spain. Both groups were influenced by factors that had nothing to do with a greater recurrence rate. An education programme geared at reducing long periods of unnecessary convalescence is required.