Background Inguinal hernia repair, laparoscopic or open, is one of the most frequently performed operations in general surgery. Postoperative urinary retention (POUR) can occur in 0.2–35% of patients after inguinal hernia repair. The primary objective of this study was to determine the incidence of POUR after inguinal hernia repair. As a secondary goal, we sought to determine if perioperative and patient factors predicted urinary retention. Methods This study is a retrospective review of patients who underwent inguinal hernia repair with synthetic mesh at the Medical College of Wisconsin from January 2007 to June 2012. Procedures were performed by four surgeons. Clinical information and perioperative outcomes were collected up to hospital discharge. Urinary retention was defined as need for urinary catheterization post-operatively. Results A total of 192 patients were included in the study (88 bilateral, 46%) and (104 unilateral, 54%). The majority of subjects (76%) underwent laparoscopic repair. The overall POUR rate was 13%, with 25 of 192 patients requiring a Foley catheter prior to discharge POUR was significantly associated with bilateral hernia repairs (p=0.04), BMI≥35kg/m2 (p=0.05) and longer operative times (p=0.03). Based on odds ratio estimates, for every 10-minute increase in operative time, an 11% increase in the odds of urinary retention is expected (OR 1.11, CI 1.004 – 1.223; p=0.04). For every 10-minute increase in operative time, an 11% increase in POUR is expected. Conclusions Bilateral hernia repairs, BMI ≥ 35kg/m2, and operative time are significant predictors of POUR. These factors are important to determine potential risk to patients and interventions such as strict fluid administration, use of catheters, and potential premedication.

Background:The purpose of this study was to evaluate the number of ovarian cancer and primary peritoneal cancer (PPC) progressive disease cases identified via routine follow-up procedures and the corresponding cost throughout a 16-year period at a single medical institution.Methods:Previously undiagnosed epithelial ovarian (n=241), PPC (n=23), and concurrent ovarian and uterine (n=24) cancer patients were treated and then followed via CA-125, imaging (e.g., CT scan, chest X-ray), physical examination and vaginal cytology.Results:In the group of 287 patients, there were 151 cases of disease progression. Serial imaging detected the highest number of progressive disease cases (66 initial and 45 confirmatory diagnoses), but the cost was rather high ($13 454 per patient recurrence), whereas CA-125 testing (74 initial and 20 corroborative diagnoses) was the least expensive ($3924) per recurrent diagnosis. The total cost of surveillance during the 16-year period was nearly $2 400 000.Conclusion:Ultimately, serial imaging and the CA-125 assay detected the highest number of ovarian cancer and PCC progressive disease cases in comparison to physical examination and vaginal cytology, but nevertheless, all of the procedures were conducted at a considerable financial expense.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to assess the value of routine follow-up procedures during uterine cancer surveillance and the corresponding cost throughout a 20-year period at a single medical institution. Methods: We sought to determine which surveillance method (CA-125, imaging, physical examination or vaginal cytology) detected the highest number of patient recurrences and the corresponding cost vis-à-vis the number of identified progressive disease cases. Results: Serial imaging detected the highest number of progressive disease cases but the cost was rather high (USD 17,174 per patient recurrence), whereas CA-125 testing was the least expensive (USD 6,810 per patient recurrence). We also found that those with a variant histology [for example, adenosquamous and uterine papillary serous carcinoma (p < 0.001) and advanced (III/IV) disease stage (p = 0.001)] were associated with an unfavorable progression-free interval. Conclusions: In the present investigation, serial imaging detected the highest number of progressive disease cases, although no single surveillance method was associated with a sensitive recurrent disease detection rate. Nevertheless, the CA-125 assay appeared to be the most cost-effective method in following patients with epithelial uterine malignancies. Thus, in the context of high-risk disease, a combination of procedures may still be necessary for optimal uterine cancer patient follow-up.