THE INCIDENCE AND RISK FACTORS OF INCISIONAL HERNIA IN POST-CAESAREAN SECTIONS

Abstract

Objectives: To assess the current incidence of incisional hernia post cesarean section amongst women attending surgical outpatient clinic, and also to evaluate the epidemiological factors in those women. Methods: This is a prospective study of 94 women attending surgical outpatients’ clinic during a period of two years between Jul. 2008 and Aug. 2010 at Prince Rashid Bin-Al-Hassan Military Hospital, Irbid-Jordan. The influence of demographic data, pre-, intra- and postoperative risk factors for incisional hernia development were evaluated. Results: The current incidence of incisional hernia post cesarean section was 3.8%. It followed midline incision in 84% patients and pfannenstiel incision in 16%. 28.5% of all incisional hernias developed in the first 6 months after the operation and 55.8% after 1 year. 84% had midline incisions, wound infections occurred in 71.3%, previous one or more caesarean sections 85.1%, the use of wrong suture materials for fascia repair in 76.6%, while overweight in 68.1%. Conclusion: The development of incisional hernia following cesarean section is uncommon but higher than previously reported. Many predisposing factors for incisional hernia may reduce the overall incidence of incisional ventral hernia when corrected. Key words: incisional hernia, incidence, epidemiological factors.