Surgical Consultation and Assessment Note

Surgical Consultation and Assessment Note Referral Reason and Presenting Complaint: Patient referred by General Practitioner for evaluation of right inguinal swelling. Patient reports a progressively enlarging, reducible lump in the right groin for the past 6 months. It becomes more prominent with coughing or straining and is associated with a dull ache, particularly towards the end of the day. No fever, nausea, vomiting, or changes in bowel habits. Initial management involved over-the-counter analgesia with paracetamol, which provided minimal relief. Patient works as a forklift operator, and the discomfort is now affecting his work performance. Relevant History: Past Medical History: Controlled hypertension, diagnosed 5 years ago, managed with Amlodipine 5mg OD. No history of diabetes, HIV, or TB. No previous surgical history. Family history is unremarkable for hernias or significant surgical conditions. Medication List: Amlodipine 5mg OD. No known allergies. Social History: Smokes 5-10 cigarettes/day for 15 years, occasional alcohol consumption (socially). Lives in a rented flat. Type of employment: Forklift operator (manual labour). Clinical Examination Findings: On examination, a reducible, non-tender, ovoid swelling noted in the right inguinal region, approximately 4x3 cm. Impulse felt on coughing. No discoloration or warmth of the overlying skin. Left inguinal region is unremarkable. Abdomen is soft, non-tender, with no other masses or organomegaly. Bowel sounds are normal. Peripheral pulses are palpable and symmetrical. Investigations Reviewed or Ordered: No investigations reviewed prior to this consultation. Ordered: Full Blood Count (FBC), Urea & Electrolytes (U&E), Coagulation profile (PT/INR, APTT) to be done at NHLS labs. Referral for ultrasound of the right inguinal region to confirm diagnosis and assess contents. Impression and Differential Diagnosis: Impression: Right reducible inguinal hernia. Differential Diagnosis: Femoral hernia, saphena varix, enlarged lymph node, lipoma. Diagnostic certainty for inguinal hernia is high given clinical presentation and examination findings. Management Plan: Discussed surgical repair with the patient. Patient keen for intervention due to work-related discomfort. Plan: 1. Investigations as ordered (FBC, U&E, Coags, USS Right Inguinal Region). 2. Review results once available. 3. List for elective open hernia repair at regional hospital. 4. Patient education provided regarding the nature of the hernia, surgical procedure, and potential risks/benefits. Advised to reduce straining and avoid heavy lifting until surgery. 5. Follow-up: To be reviewed in surgical outpatient clinic in 4 weeks with investigation results for pre-operative assessment and consent. Date of consultation: 1 November 2024