Strangulated groin hernia in octogenarians

Area of Science:

• Surgery
• Geriatrics
• Public Health

Background:

• Emergency strangulated groin hernias require prompt surgical intervention.
• Outcomes in elderly patients undergoing emergency surgery are often poorer compared to younger populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify risk factors for morbidity and mortality in octogenarians undergoing emergency strangulated groin hernia repair.
• To compare outcomes between patients older than 80 years and younger patient cohorts.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 200 patients undergoing emergency strangulated groin hernia repair over 14 years.
• Patients categorized into three age groups: <59, 60-79, and >80 years.
• Data collected included demographics, comorbidities, hernia characteristics, and surgical outcomes.

Main Results:

• Octogenarians (group C) had significantly more comorbidities than younger patients (group A+B).
• Small bowel resections and ICU admissions were more frequent in patients over 60.
• Higher rates of postoperative complications, re-operations, prolonged admission, and mortality were observed in octogenarians.

Conclusions:

• Emergency strangulated hernia repair in patients over 80 is associated with increased complexity and poorer outcomes, largely driven by comorbidities.
• Considering elective hernia repair for selected elderly patients with significant symptoms could mitigate high morbidity and mortality rates.