Incidence of Incarceration of Inguinal Hernia in Adults

Background: To quantify how common incarcerated inguinal hernias are among adult populations in consideration of various risk factors.Study Design: Cross-sectional design.Place and Duration of Study: Department of Surgery, Combined Military Hospital, Rawalpindi. From 22nd August 2024 till 21st September 2024.Methods: The study design of this research was cross-sectional to explore the prevalence of incarceration among the adults, both men and women, who presented with incarcerated inguinal hernia. After Ethics Review Board approval at Combined Military Hospital, Rawalpindi and patient written consent for participation in this study and if necessary surgical intervention. The sample comprised 100 adults who were diagnosed with inguinal hernia and availed themselves of such care at the Department of Surgery of Combined Military Hospital from 22nd August 2024 till 21st September 2024. The respondents were grouped according to their age into four categories: the young adults (up to 30 years and 31 to 40 years), aged adults (41 to 50 years and 51 to 60 years), elderly adults (61 to 70 years followed by 71 years and above). The age groups were grouped based on past studies on the age distribution of hernia, and the criticality of these age groups in evaluating the rates and risks.Results: This study examined the demographics and potential risk factors for inguinal hernia. The sample included 67% men and 33% women, with an average age of 50.39 years. Hernia cases were most common among individuals aged 51-60 (32%) and those over 70 (24%), suggesting higher susceptibility in older adults. While BMI did not correlate significantly with hernia incidence, 48% of cases fell within the normal BMI range. No significant link was found between gender or common comorbidities (constipation, 12%; haemorrhoids, 4%) and hernia risk, nor was there a notable connection with heavy weightlifting, which affected only 12% of the cases.Conclusion: A strong correlation between age and incarceration rate of the adult patients who presented themselves with inguinal hernia. Bangladesh Armed Forces Med J Vol 57 No (2) December 2024 pp 14-20