Clinical, Anthropometric, and Intraoperative Anatomical Profile of Adult Inguinal Hernia: A Hospital-Based Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Santhanalakshmi D Santhanalakshmi D, Sumita Sinha, Samrat Gosh
Keywords: Inguinal hernia; Anthropometry, Body mass index, Deep inguinal ring, Posterior wall defect, Intraoperative findings
Abstract:
Background: Inguinal hernia is a common surgical condition, yet detailed hospital-based data from Indian tertiary care centres examining clinical profile, anthropometric characteristics, and intraoperative anatomical findings remain limited. Understanding these factors is important for improving surgical planning and outcomes.
Objective: To study the clinical profile, anthropometric characteristics, and intraoperative findings in adult patients undergoing elective surgical repair of inguinal hernia at a tertiary care teaching hospital.
Material and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional hospital-based study was conducted over 12 months at R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata. A total of 97 Adult patients aged 18–80 years admitted for elective inguinal hernia repair were selected using simple random sampling. Clinical details, anthropometric measurements, and intraoperative findings were recorded. Data were analysed using Chi-square tests, with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant.
Results: The mean age of patients was 47 ± 18.3 years, with a marked male predominance (96.9%). Most patients had a normal BMI (73.2%). Right-sided hernia (45.36%) and indirect inguinal hernia (73.2%) were the most common presentations. Posterior wall defects were observed in 26.8% of cases and were significantly associated with increasing age (p < 0.001). The mean deep inguinal ring diameter was 3.41 ± 1.18 cm. The majority of surgeries were completed without intraoperative difficulty.
Conclusion: Inguinal hernia predominantly affects adult males and is influenced by age-related anatomical changes. Indirect hernias are more common in younger patients, while direct hernias and posterior wall defects increase significantly with age.
