We thank Dr Metzger and colleagues for their interest in our study. We agree that
the differences we have detected are small and only statistically significant for
operating time, for visual analogue pain scores on days 1 to 8, and for SF36 physical
functioning on day 3. For the other postoperative observations, if the trend were
to continue, statistical significance would only be achieved with several hundred
more patients. We agree with the observation that groups of approximately 750 are
required for comparison to observe a difference in recurrence rate of 2% between techniques.
1
To observe the minimum of 1500 patients for a period of 5 years with adequate follow-up
would be feasible if resources were made available, particularly in a socialized system
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References
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- The plug method in inguinal hernia: a prospective evaluation.Hernia. 1999; 4: 201-204
- The mesh plug repair of groin hernias: a three year experience.Hernia. 1998; 2: 31-34
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© 2000 Mosby, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
