Clinical Study on Incisional Hernias In Patients Attending Railway Hospital, Lallaguda, Secunderabad, South Central Railway

Background: Incisional hernia is a common complication following abdominal surgery, resulting from weakness at the previous incision site. It contributes to significant morbidity and may complicate subsequent surgeries. Understanding the clinical profile, predisposing factors, and surgical outcomes is essential for effective management. Objective: To evaluate the clinical characteristics, predisposing factors, and surgical outcomes of patients presenting with incisional hernia at Railway Hospital, Lallaguda, Secunderabad. Materials and Methods: This hospital-based cross-sectional study included 80 patients aged ≥18 years presenting with incisional hernia between May 2023 and November 2024. Patients underwent detailed clinical evaluation, routine laboratory investigations, and imaging (ultrasound and CT abdomen for complex cases). Surgical management, including the type of repair and mesh positioning, along with postoperative complications, was recorded. Results: The majority of patients were aged 51–60 years (32.5%) and female (71%). Most hernias developed following elective surgeries (70%), with hysterectomy (36.25%) and LSCS (18.75%) being the most common preceding procedures. Swelling was the most frequent presentation (47.5%). Primary healing of previous incisions was observed in 77.5% of cases. Mesh repair was performed in 86.25% of patients, with onlay placement being the most common (59.4%). Postoperative complications were minimal. Conclusion: Incisional hernia is more common in older females and those with prior gynecological or obstetric surgeries. Mesh repair, particularly onlay and sublay techniques, provides favorable outcomes with low recurrence. Early recognition, risk factor management, and appropriate surgical technique are essential to minimize morbidity.