A Study of Abdominal Wall Hernias and Its Management

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Hernia is defined as the gap in the continuity of the fascia. The most common types of hernia are inguinal (innergroin), incisional (resulting from an incision), femoral (outer groin), umbilical (belly button), and hiatal (upper stomach).Aim: The aim of the study was to study the various risk factors and complications of different types of hernias, clinicalpresentations, and their management.Materials and Methods: All cases of abdominal wall hernias presenting above 12 years of age were included in the study.Patients were assigned to undergo suture repair or mesh repair at the operating surgeon’s discretion. All patient-related datawere collected for analysis.Results: Among the 185 cases studied, 86 were incisional hernia (46.4%), 75 were umbilical hernia (40.5%), and 21 wereepigastric (11.3%), one Spigelian, and two lumbar hernia. Female preponderance was seen in incisional hernias with male tofemale ratio of 16.7. The swelling was the most common complaint in 55% followed by pain 31.6. Previous surgery or traumawas the single most important cause for ventral (Incisional) hernias. Simple suture repair and or Mayo’s repair was the choiceof repair in emergencies in all age groups.Conclusion: Size of the defect and presence of complications are the guiding factors for choosing the type of repair. Laparoscopicapproach for ventral hernia repair is definitely a method of choice with the advantages of good operative field visibility, lessenedduration of hospital stay, and minimal post-operative scar.