Incisional heRnia dIgestion Sexuality
This study, called "Incisional Hernia Digestion Sexuality," focuses on people who develop a hernia after having surgery on their tummy. These hernias can cause many issues, from discomfort and problems with posture to affecting how digestion works and even how people feel about their bodies and their sex life. Previous studies have shown that surgery can help these problems, improving quality of life and reducing pain. However, some specific challenges, like difficulties with bowel movements and the impact on sexual activity, haven't been fully explored. This study aims to fill that gap by asking patients who have had surgery for an incisional hernia to complete questionnaires. This will help doctors better understand the everyday struggles and emotional impact of these hernias, ultimately leading to better support and treatment for patients.
At a glance
What is this study about?
When someone has surgery on their tummy, sometimes a weakness can develop in the muscles afterward, allowing part of the bowel or other organs to push through. This is called an incisional hernia. It's quite common, affecting about 1 in 5 people who have had tummy surgery. When this happens, it can cause various problems, such as discomfort, difficulties with posture, and sometimes even affecting breathing or heart function. The hernia can also be noticeable on the outside, which might make people feel self-conscious.
Surgery can help fix these hernias by putting the organs back in place and strengthening the tummy muscles. This can reduce pain, improve how the body works, and make the tummy look more normal. Many studies have already shown that fixing these hernias can greatly improve a person's quality of life. However, there are still some everyday difficulties that haven't been fully understood, like how hard it can be for some patients to go to the toilet because of the hernia, or how it might affect their sexual relationships and how they see themselves.
This study wants to learn more about these specific, often personal, challenges. By asking people who have had surgery for an incisional hernia to fill out questionnaires, researchers hope to get a clearer picture of how these hernias affect digestion, body image, and sexual activity. The information gathered will help doctors and healthcare professionals understand all the ways hernias impact patients' lives, so they can offer better advice, support, and treatment in the future.
Key takeaways
- The study aims to understand how incisional hernias affect daily life, digestion, and sexual health.
- Participation involves filling out questionnaires.
- It's for people aged 18-79 who are planning surgery for an incisional hernia.
- Your medical care will not change if you join the study.
- Your involvement will help improve care for future patients.
- You can stop participating at any time.
Who may be eligible?
To join this study, you need to be between 18 and 79 years old and be willing to take part in research. You must also be planning to have surgery for an incisional hernia, which is a hernia that develops after a previous tummy operation. This surgery can be done in two ways: either through a larger cut (laparotomy) or using keyhole surgery (laparoscopy). It's also important that you can understand and speak French well enough to answer the questionnaires.
There are some reasons why you wouldn't be able to join the study. For example, if your hernia surgery is an emergency, you're pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have certain serious health conditions that might make surgery very risky. If you are under guardianship or curatorship (meaning someone else legally makes decisions for you), or if you receive State Medical Aid (AME), you also won't be able to participate.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you between 18 and 79 years old?
- Are you scheduled for surgery to fix a hernia after a previous tummy operation?
- Are you able to fill out questionnaires in French?
- Are you not pregnant or breastfeeding?
- Is your hernia surgery not an emergency procedure?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part in this study, your involvement would primarily be completing questionnaires. These questionnaires are designed to understand how your incisional hernia has affected different aspects of your life, including your daily activities, digestion, and sexual health. You would complete these questionnaires as part of your preparation for surgery to fix your hernia. There are no extra hospital visits or different treatments involved; you will receive the standard surgery your doctors have planned for you. The study is focused on gathering your experiences through these forms.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- David MoszkowiczVerified postcodeColombes, France· Recruiting
Common questions
What is an incisional hernia?
It's when part of your bowel or other organs push through a weak spot in your tummy muscles, usually where you've had surgery before.
Why is this study being done?
The study wants to understand more about how these hernias affect everyday life, digestion, and sexual activity, as these areas haven't been fully explored before.
What will I have to do if I join?
You will need to fill out some questionnaires that ask about your experiences and how the hernia affects you.
Will I get different treatment if I join?
No, you will receive the standard surgery and care that your doctors have already planned for your hernia.
Will my personal answers be kept private?
Yes, all your responses to the questionnaires will be kept confidential and anonymised for research purposes.
How to find out more
David MOSZKOWICZ, Pr
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
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