The Risk Factors for Recurrence after Inguinal Hernia Surgery: A Prospective Study of a Tertiary Care Hospital in Bangladesh

Background: Inguinal hernia recurrence remains a significant clinical concern despite advancements in surgical techniques and patient care. Identifying risk factors associated with recurrence is crucial for improving patient outcomes. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the risk factors for recurrence after inguinal hernia surgery in a tertiary care hospital in Bangladesh. Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted at the surgical department of Mymensingh Medical College Hospital from July 2022 to December 2023. A total of 50 patients aged over 18 years with more than one recurrence were included. Patients with incisional hernias or a single recurrence were excluded. Data were collected via a questionnaire covering variables such as gender, age, smoking status, comorbidities (constipation, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, coronary heart disease, diabetes, hypertension), medications, and family history. The influence of these factors on initial hernia onset, age at first recurrence, and recurrence rates was analyzed. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 23.0, with Student's t-tests or Chi-square tests as appropriate, and odds ratios calculated for relative risk. Results: The majority of the patients 21(42%) belong to 61-70 age range, 11 (22%) belongs to 51-60 age range, 8 (16%) belongs to 71-80 age range, 6 (12%) belongs to 41-50 age range, 3 (6%) belongs to 31-40 age range and only 1 2%) belongs to 21-30 age range. Among the 50 patients’ the highest number of the patients was male 37 (74%) and female were 13 (26%). As expected, more male patients had inguinal hernias but distribution of gender (p = 0.27), smoking habits (p = 0.45), comorbidity and medication did not vary when subgroups with or without affected relatives were compared. Conclusion: The findings underscore the importance of considering patient-specific risk factors, such as family history and age, in the management of inguinal hernia repairs. Further ........