A clinical study on groin hernias presenting as acute emergencies in a tertiary care hospital

Abstract

Background: Inguinal hernias are the most common hernias encountered in the surgical practice. A small section of cases present to the emergency with certain complications at time of presentation. Complications like irreducibility, obstruction and strangulation occur which require immediate management. Aim of this study is to study groin hernias presenting as emergencies and their surgical management. Materials and Methods: This study was a prospective observational study, conducted in the Department of General Surgery, Rangaraya Medical College and Hospital, during May 2021 to May 2022(1 Years). The study population is 50 patients.Results: The incidence of hernia is more common in the age group consisting 60-70 years (34%). The incidence at the age group 51-60 years is 22%.The frequency of hernia in males is greater than females. Incidence in males is 98% and 2% in females. The duration of hernia before the acute episode is more common in the first year. Complications were more common on the right side than the left side. The common site of constriction is at the internal ring. The duration of hernia before the acute episode is more common in the first year. Complications were more common on the right side than the left side. The common site of constriction is at the internal ring. Pain is universal in all patients. Pain and irreducibility were present in the frequency of 50 patients. Constipation was found in 36 patients and fever was present in 16 cases respectively. Complications like obstruction which were present in 64% of cases. Pain and irreducibility were present in 22% of cases. Strangulation was seen in 14% of the cases. Optimum procedure done was herniorrhaphy in 84% of cases. Resection and anastomosis was done in 6% of the cases. Omentectomy was done in 3% of the cases.Conclusion: The most common age group of presentation is 51 to 60 years. It is more common in male sex group. Pain and irreducibility were universal. The incidence of complications were common in the first year of presentation. The most common site of constriction is the deep ring followed by superficial and femoral canal. Pain and irreducibility were universal. Herniorrhaphy was done universally for all cases with resection and anastomosis of gangrenous bowel and omentectomy as adjunctive procedures.