Incisional Hernia: Predictive Factors, Clinical Presentation and Management

Background and Aim: Incisional hernia is a common complication following abdominal surgery, affecting 11-20% of patients. This study aimed to identify predictive factors, clinical presentation, management approaches, and post-operative complications associated with incisional hernia. Material and Methods: This hospital-based observational study included patients with incisional hernias, with or without comorbidities, undergoing planned or emergency surgeries. Patients unfit for anesthesia were excluded. Predictive factors studied included multiparity, obesity, diabetes, post-operative wound infection, urinary retention, and cough. We also recorded the time of onset, type of abdominal incision, and conducted a local examination to assess hernia characteristics. Management was either open or laparoscopic, with comparisons made regarding complications and recurrence. Results: A total of 50 patients were enrolled, with a mean age of 48.1 ± 9.22 years. Incisional hernias were most common in middle-aged females (31-50 years). Most hernias (77%) occurred within one year of surgery. Key predictive factors included high BMI (82%), multiparity (67%), infraumbilical incision (51%), and post-operative surgical site infection (56%). On average, patients were followed up for 35.6 months, with one recurrence noted in the open onlay repair group. Conclusions: Middle-aged females with multiparity, BMI >25, midline infraumbilical incisions, and a history of surgical site infections are more likely to develop incisional hernias within the first year. Laparoscopic repair showed no complications or recurrence.