PREVALENCE, PATTERN, RISK FACTORS, AND MANAGEMENT OF ABDOMINAL AND INGUINAL HERNIAS IN KING FAHAD HOSPITAL AT AL-BAHA CITY, SAUDI ARABIA 2024.

Abstract

Background: Abdominal hernia is common among genders and all ages. However, information about the prevalence and risk factors of abdominal hernia is still limited in Saudi Arabia. The aim of the study is to assess the Prevalence, Pattern, Risk Factors, and management of abdominal and inguinal hernias.

Method: This is an observational study set in King Fahad Hospital (KFH- Al-Baha) in the Al-Baha region of Saudi Arabia, with an inclusion of patients aged 18-80 years old who presented with abdominal or inguinal hernias between January 2022 and January 2024, excluding pediatric patients, patients above 80 & and patients with deficient data.

Results: The study included 219 patients, and the most reported type of hernia was indirect inguinal (37.9%). The most common risk factor was a history of previous abdominal surgery (26%), followed by comorbidities like diabetes mellitus (15%) and hypertension (13%). Seventeen percent suffered from hernia recurrence. Most of the hernia cases were reducible (96%). Strangulation features (pain and tenderness) were noted in 3.2% of patients. Ninety-two percent of the patients underwent elective surgical management, with open hernioplasty being the most common (42%). The analysis of hernia types in relation to demographic and clinical characteristics revealed that only gender was a significant finding. Males had significantly higher odds of developing indirect inguinal hernia (OR=35.7, 95% CI: 11.6-165, p<0.001) and direct inguinal hernia (OR=8.15, 95% CI: 2.27-52.2, p=0.006). Conversely, male gender was a protective factor against umbilical (OR=0.23, 95% CI: 0.09-0.58, p=0.002), paraumbilical (OR=0.13, 95% CI: 0.07-0.26, p<0.001), and incisional hernias (OR=0.30, 95% CI: 0.09-0.92, p=0.040).

Conclusion: The study concluded that the most common type of hernia was indirect inguinal hernia. Most of the patients underwent elective surgical management, with open hernioplasty being the most common.