Prevalence and risk factors of inguinal hernia: a study in a semi-urban area in Rayalaseema, Andhra Pradesh, India

Abstract

Background:The protrusion from the abdominal cavity through the inguinal canal is called inguinal hernia. Although several hypotheses regarding the etiology of inguinal hernia have been proposed, large-scale data on the occurrence of inguinal hernia may provide further understanding to the pathophysiology of inguinal hernia development. This study was conducted with the intention of identifying the various types of inguinal hernia observed in our area as well as their risk factors.

Methods: All the study subjects had come to the hospital with complaints of groin swelling with or without pain. The patient was palpated at each groin to observe if there was a visible and clearly palpable hernia, a palpable impulse or a previous operational scar. Details of the hernia, such as the type of hernia, primary or recurrent were also noted.

Results:Out of the 212 patients, 79.2% patients were males and 20.8% were females and the commonest age group was 31-60 years. 74.5% of the cases were primary inguinal hernia while 25.5% were recurrent hernia. Period of swelling was less than one year for majority of the patients, while the least of them had swelling for more than 2 years. The most common cause for the presence of hernia was lifting heavy objects in 52.4% and improper bowel movements (46.7%).

Conclusions:These type of studies need to be conducted in every geographical area so that it can be helpful for future studies in prediction of the prevalence of inguinal hernias.