Introduction- An inguinal hernia is a protrusion of abdominal cavity contents through the inguinal canal. This is the most common type of hernia and it mainly affects men. This study was conducted to determine the cases of inguinal hernia and associated risk factors. Materials & Methods- This retrospective study included 220 patients of both gender. Complaints of groin swelling with or without pain, family history of inguinal hernia, lifestyle habits, and nature of job, chronic constipation and cough were recorded. An inguinal hernia was diagnosed based on the criteria that clinically detectable swelling in the groin or a clearly palpable defect of the abdominal wall in the groin. Results- Out of 220 patients, males were 202 and females were 18. The difference was significant (P- 0.01). Age group <10 had 20 males and 1 females, 10-20 years had 25 males and 2 females, 20-30 years had 28 males and 2 females, 30-40 years had 38 males and 3 females, 40-50 years had 44 males and 5 females and 50-60 years had 35 males and 4 females and >60 years 60 years had 10 males and 1 female. The difference was significant (P<0.05). The right side was involved in 110 patients, left side in 44 patients and bilateral involvement was seen in 66 cases. The difference was significant (P<0.05). Various forms of inguinal hernia was direct (132), indirect (62), pantaloon (6) and congenital (20). The difference was significant (P<0.05). Common risk factors associated were family history (11), bowel disturbances (6), smoking habit (23), cough (7), bladder disturbances (35), heavy object uplift (56), alcohol intake (32) and co- existing morbidities (30). The difference was significant (P<0.05). Conclusion- It is more common in males as compared to females. Right side is commonly involved. Risk factors are heavy object uplift, bladder disturbances, alcohol intake and co- existing morbidities etc.
Key words- Bowel disturbances, Inguinal hernia, Smoking

Corresponding author: Dr. Rishi Kant Aryal, MS (General Surgery), Assistant professor / Consultant, Devdaha Medical College, Teaching Hospital, Rupendehi, Nepal

This article may be cited as: Aryal RK, Gautam R. Assessment of Risk Factors in 220 cases of Inguinal Hernia- A Retrospective Study. Int J Res Health Allied Sci 2017;3(5):96-99.