Clinical Profile and Surgical Management of Incisional Hernias: A Retrospective Study

Abstract

Background: An iatrogenic hernia known as an incisional hernia develops at the site of prior surgical incisions and poses therapeutic difficulties. For prevention and therapy, it is essential to comprehend their clinical presentation and management. The clinical characteristics and treatment of incisional hernias at a tertiary care facility are reviewed in this study. Methods: At the Department of General Surgery, a retrospective study was done. Demographic information, clinical presentation, surgical history, hernia features, post-operative problems, and comorbidities were gathered from 60 patients who underwent incisional hernia surgery. Results: 60% of the patients were female, and the age ranges of 35 to 45 and 56 to 65 were the most common. 15% of patients reported pain prior to surgery. Lower segment cesarean sections (38.33%) and Pfannenstiel incisions (45%) were the most frequent prior surgeries. 83.33% of patients had infraumbilical hernias, and 11.67% had post-operative surgical site infections. A significant comorbidity was obesity. The chosen surgical technique was sublay (preperitoneal) meshplasty. Conclusion: Infraumbilical incisions, in particular, showed a female predominance in incisional hernias. Comorbidities, especially obesity, were associated with the development of hernias. Strenuous infection control procedures are required to prevent post-operative surgical site infections. Commonly employed is sublay meshplasty. The prevention and treatment of incisional hernias are influenced by these findings.