CLINICO-EPIDEMIOLOGIC PROFILE OF INGUINAL HERNIA IN RURAL MEDICAL COLLEGE IN NORTHERN INDIA

Abstract

Background: Inguinal hernias are one most common problem dealt by general surgeons and have signicant morbidity and mortality. In the developed countries, almost all of the inguinal hernias are recognized early and present early in the course of disease to the surgeon. However, in developing countries, quite a considerable percentage of it is not repaired leading to a higher incidence of morbidity and mortality. Hence, we planned this study to understand the clinico-epidemiologic prole of inguinal hernia in rural medical college in northern India. Methodology: This is a descriptive epidemiological, prospective study carried out in rural medical college. All patients who presented to the surgical wards and outpatient with a clinical diagnosis of inguinal hernia were included in the study. Results:Among the 92 patients included in the study, most of them were men (88) with a mean age of around 44 years, married (85) and farmer (48) by occupation. All the patients of inguinal hernia presented with the complaints of lump above the inguinal crease and had predominantly rightsided hernia. 5 patients had family history of hernia. Indirect inguinal hernias were predominant. 3 patients had recurrence of earlier operated hernia, while 5 patients had hernia on the opposite side. Most of the patients presented late to the hospital due to the lack of awareness of the disease. Conclusion: Late presentation of disease is the hallmark of this disease in rural areas due to the lack of awareness. Increasing awareness of the disease among general population will lead to inguinal hernias being detected at earlier stage and will decrease the morbidity due to this disease