Morbidity and Mortality of Emergency Hernia Surgery in Adults in Bujumbura: Analysis of Favourable Factors

Abstract

Background: Abdominal parietal hernia, a temporary or permanent exit of viscera through an anatomically pre-existing zone of weakness, is a frequent pathology in surgery. So, the management of emergency hernias surgery should include some complications most often up after 30 days of the operation. Aim: To analyze the factors contributing to morbidity and mortality after 30 days of emergency hernia surgery in adults in the surgical departments of Bujumbura hospitals. Methodology: This is a prospective study over a period of one year that included all hernias operated on in emergency from January 2022 to February 2023. Results: During the period, 251 patients were admitted to the operating room for abdominal parietal hernias, including 49 for emergency hernia surgery. There were 43 men (87.76%) and 6 women (12.24%), i.e . a sex ratio of 7.1. The average age was 49.6 years, with extremes of 18 and 84 years. The occupation of strength (farmer, labourer, mechanic, mason, mason ’ s helper) represented 75.51% of the cases. Inguino-scrotal hernia was preponderant (65.31%) followed by inguinal hernia (25.58%), umbilical hernia (4.08%); femoral hernia represented 4.08%. Hernial strangulation represented 89.80% and engorged hernia 10.20%. Morbidity was minor, 2.04% of complications (suppuration, hematoma, urinary retention). No deaths were found. Altemeir stage and occupation were statistically related to morbi-mortality of emergency hernia surgery in adults at 30 days postoperative (p = 0.0028 and p = 0.0284 respectively). Conclusion: Abdominal parietal hernias are frequent, dominated by groin hernias. The high frequency of strangulation calls for awareness of cold hernia cures.