The Effects of Strangulation on Morbidity and Mortality in Irreductible Hernias

Abstract

Strangulation is common in adult hernias and encountered more frequently In elderly patients. The records of 253 patients who underwent operation because of acute Irreductible hernia during the period 1981-1991 were Investigated retrospectively to evaluate the spectrum of strangulated hernias. In 171 patients, there was intestines In hernial sacs. Strangulation was present in 107 patients. 59 (55.1%) patients were men and 48 (46.9%) women. Mean age was 63.7. Peak incidence for strangulation occured in the seventh decade of life. The period between the occurence of hernia and operation was less than 10 years In 81.3% of the patients. Strangulation was the most common (67.9%) in femoral hernias. Although mortality of 64 patients without strangulation was 3.1%, mortality In the strangulated was established 13.1%. 32.3% of the patients with strangulation were discharged after seventh day.

On conclusion, this study supports the view that all patients with abdominal wall hernias should be sent to surgery. Elective repair will greatly reduce the current incidence of acute irreduction and strangulation in adult hernias.