Provision of inguinal hernia surgery in first-referral hospitals across low- and middle-income countries: Secondary analysis of an international cohort study.

Introduction: Surgical care in first-referral hospitals (FRHs) in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) is poorly characterized. Inguinal hernia repair can act as a good tracer condition. This study aimed to evaluate the variation in hernia repair across different hospital types in LMICs.

Methods: We conducted a secondary analysis of an international prospective cohort study of hernia surgery. Data was collected from consecutive patients undergoing primary inguinal hernia repair between 30 January and May 21, 2023. We characterized patients from LMICs, comparing first-referral, secondary, and tertiary hospitals. Emergency surgery, financing methods, mesh use, and complications were defined as key performance measures relevant for FRHs. A multilevel logistic regression model was used to test associations between complications and hospital type.

Results: This analysis included 8155 patients undergoing hernia repair across 328 hospitals in 55 LMICs. Most patients were male (89.8%, 7324/8155), of working age (mean age 41.6, SD 25.3). Emergency surgery rates were similar across first-referral, secondary and tertiary hospitals (11.1%, 10.9%, and 9.6%, respectively). Patients in FRHs were most likely to experience out-of-pocket payments (31.4%, 9.4%, and 17.4%). They also had lower rates of mesh use (71.9%, 82.1%, and 84.1%) and higher postoperative complication rates (19.1%, 12.5%, and 14.0%), although complications were similar after adjustment (adjusted odds ratio 1.71, 95% CI 0.83-3.54, p = 0.148).

Discussion: This sample of FRHs is capable of delivering simple elective surgery, reducing the burden on subsequent referral hospitals. To scale these surgical pathways, FRHs need support to increase the use of mesh and ensure cost protection for patients.