A familial tendency for developing inguinal hernias: study of a single family

Inguinal hernias are the most common abdominal wall rupture, and the predisposing factors to hernia formation include a familial tendency, connective tissue and lung diseases, smoking and prostatism. The aim of this study is to discuss the familial tendency for hernia in 5 members of a family of 11 people. To our knowledge, no other large family with inguinal hernias has been reported in the English literature.

This study presents the surgical procedures and follow-up results of right inguinal hernias seen in 5 of 11 members from one family. Age, sex, body mass index (BMI), biochemical parameters, type of hernia and surgical procedure, and follow-up results were evaluated retrospectively.

This study included five patients (three males, two females) presenting with right direct inguinal hernias. The initial symptoms began at an average age of 18.2 years (range 15-22), and the mean BMI of the patients was 20.6 kg/m(2) (range 19.3-22.1). Three underwent hernia repairs with polypropylene surgical mesh and two with polyglactin-polypropylene composite mesh (Vypro II). The patients' blood vitamin C levels were lower than those of the other family members, while their 24-h urinary hydroxyproline levels were higher. The patients were followed for an average of 16.4 months (range 3-33 months). No complications developed during follow-up.

The occurrence of the same type of hernia in more than one family member and the altered biochemical results indicate that the hernias may have resulted from a familial connective tissue disease. In patients with hernias, if a familial tendency is suspected, a detailed examination for connective tissue diseases may help to confirm the diagnosis.