Prevalence, Risk Factors, Prognostic Factors, and Clinical Medical Management of Incarcerated Incisional Hernia in Old Orthopaedic incision a Tertiary Care Hospital of Haldia, West Bengal: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Incisional hernia is a common late complication of abdominal surgery, contributing significantly to morbidity and impaired quality of life. It is associated with modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors that influence outcomes and recurrence. Objective: To assess the prevalence, risk factors, prognostic factors, and clinical medical management of incisional hernia in a tertiary care hospital in Haldia, West Bengal. Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional observational study was conducted on 38 patients diagnosed with incisional hernia. Demographic profiles, risk factors, clinical presentation, and management outcomes were studied. Statistical analysis included chi-square test, prevalence rate, and odds ratio (OR) with p-value <0.05 considered significant. Results: The prevalence of incisional hernia among abdominal surgery patients was 18.4%. The majority were females (63.2%) and aged >45 years (57.9%). Significant risk factors included obesity (OR=3.12, p=0.032), wound infection (OR=4.65, p=0.018), diabetes mellitus (OR=2.89, p=0.041), and previous emergency surgery (OR=2.45, p=0.049). Prognostic factors included defect size, duration of symptoms, and comorbidities. Mesh repair was the most common management approach (76.3%), followed by anatomical suture repair (23.7%). Postoperative complications were minimal with mesh reinforcement. Conclusion: Incisional hernia is a prevalent complication in post-abdominal surgery patients. Obesity, wound infection, diabetes, and emergency surgery are significant risk factors. Mesh repair remains the gold standard for effective management with lower recurrence rates. Early identification and modification of risk factors may reduce the burden.