Prevalence study on indirect inguinal hernia in adult males in rivers state university teaching hospital

Background: Indirect inguinal hernia is the protrusion of whole or part of the abdominal viscera into the inguinal canal through the deep inguinal ring. It is among the most common surgical cases worldwide. It is due to a congenital anomaly in which there is a patency in the procesus vaginalis after the descent of the testis.  Aim/Objectives: The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence rate of indirect inguinal hernia in adult males in Rivers State University Teaching Hospital. The objectives of the study are to determine the prevalence of age, side distribution and risk factor.  Method: This was a retrospective study done in Rivers State University Teaching Hospital where 67 folders of patients diagnosed of indirect inguinal hernia in six months in 2021 were analyzed. Included subjects were from 18 years and above. The work was fully approved by the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital Research Committee. All-important informations were gotten using data collection sheet. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and hypotheses were tested using Chi square test. Results: Showed  the highest occurring age group to be (58-67) years, mean of 44.7±15.8 years, most prevalent side to be at the right at 71.6% and most prevalent risk factor being weight lifting at 44.7%.The main factors which caused indirect inguinal hernia were increased intra-abdominal pressure and weakness of the muscle. The prevalence study of indirect inguinal hernia should not be over looked, it should be carried out annually so as to know if there will be significant changes.