ASSESSMENT OF RISK FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO THE OCCURRENCE OF INGUINAL HERNIAS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY IN A TERTIARY CARE SETTING gamagekanil@gmail.com

 

ASSESSMENT OF RISK FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO THE OCCURRENCE OF INGUINAL HERNIAS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY IN A TERTIARY CARE SETTING

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Sri Lanka

Oral or Poster

Inguinal hernias involve the protrusion of abdominal contents through the inguinal canal and remain one of the most common day-case surgeries worldwide. Prompt recognition and intervention are essential to reduce associated morbidity.

A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out among 150 patients diagnosed with inguinal hernias. Data on demographics, hernia characteristics, and potential risk factors were systematically collected and analyzed.

The majority of patients were male (96%) with a mean age of 55 years. Age distribution showed 23.3% were aged 41–50, 25.3% aged 51–60, and 41.3% over 60 years. Right-sided hernias were most common (53.3%), followed by left-sided (32.7%) and bilateral (14%). Key risk factors included heavy weight lifting (61.3%), smoking (53.3%), chronic constipation (34%), chronic cough (30%), voiding symptoms (32%), alcoholism (38%), family history (23.3%), obesity (16.6%), and diabetes (22%). Additionally, 4.7% of right-sided hernia cases had a history of appendicectomy. Primary hernias accounted for 94% and recurrent hernias for 6%.

This study highlights the significant role of modifiable risk factors—particularly heavy lifting, smoking, and chronic constipation—in the etiology of inguinal hernias. Awareness and early identification of these factors can support preventive efforts and inform timely clinical or surgical management.