CHAPTER 3: MATERIALS AND
METHODS
3.1. MATERIALS
3.1.1 Study design
This was a retrospective descriptive study; the study involved
a review of medical records of all patients treated for groin hernias in the
period of 18 months from 01/01/2007 to 30/06/ 2008 at Kibogora hospital.
3.1.2. Study Population and
Site
The study was carried out in the surgery
department of Kibogora Hospital, in the western province.
3.1.3. Inclusion and exclusion criteria
All patients diagnosed and admitted with Groin hernia as
(inguinal or femoral) and underwent hernia repair during 01/01/2007 to 30/06
2008 at Kibogora hospital. We exclude all incomplete files not providing the
key information.
3.1.4. Data collection
A structured data collection form was used during the review
of clinical files of the patients admitted to the hospital during the time
interval from 01/01/2007 to 30/06/2008 and this included; the patients'
registration data, clinical assessment, type of operation, type of anesthesia,
post operative stay in hospital, possible post operative complications and the
actual condition on discharge.
3.1.5. Data analysis methods
The text was written using Microsoft word. Graphs, tables and
pie charts were drawn with the help of Microsoft excel. The collected data was
computerized and analyzed using Epidata and SPSS computer soft wares, Results
were cross-tabulated to examine relationships and association between the
variables. Statistical analysis was performed using Q 2 for test of
association. P value of less than 0.05 was considered significant in all the
statistical tests performed.
3.1.6. Ethical considerations
No patient's name was written on the structured questionnaire
during the study and the data collected from patients' clinical files was
destroyed immediately after data analysis.
3.1.7. Study limitations
Our study was limited by the remote location of the hospital
in question. This had financial implications in terms of transport and
maintenance costs.
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