A Clinical Study of Ventral Hernias in Tertiary Hospital, Goa Medical College

Abstract

Background: Ventral hernias are commonly encountered problems in the field of general surgery. Less data is available as to its natural history and hence surgeons prefer surgical treatment. Incisional hernia is a common complication following abdominal surgery that requires reoperation. Aims and Objectives: To study the incidence of ventral hernias, its causes and modes of presentation with the changing trends, various treatment modalities and complications of surgeries and mortality and morbidity owing to ventral hernia. Materials and Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted in the Department of Surgery, Goa Medical College, on a total of 100 patients between May 2019 to March 2021. Detailed history was recorded in all cases. This includes age, sex, weight of the patients. Presence of predisposing factors like obesity and particulars regarding diseases like hypertension, diabetes and other complications were elicited and treatment for the same was undertaken. The data was analyzed using SPSS software. Results: Females were affected more than males. 49% patients complained of swelling, while 23% complained of swelling and pain and about 20% complained of only pain. Para umbilical and incisional hernias were the most common types of hernias diagnosed in the study majority (86 out of 100) had no complications. However, those who did have complications, the most common was infection which was seen among 14% of the participants. 8% had seroma and 5% each had ileus and dehiscence. The recurrence rate was only 3%. Conclusion: Ventral hernia tend to present mainly in the 40- to 60-year age with male to female ratio tends to be 2:1. Para umbilical with umbilical hernia were most common types followed by Incisional hernia. Swelling and pain were the major presenting symptoms. Mesh repair was being more frequently used, compared to primary suture repair.