Prevalence of Low-Lying Pubic Tubercle in Patients Undergoing Inguinal Hernia Repair in a Tertiary Care Center

Abstract

Background: Delayed diagnosis of inguinal hernia can present directly as an emergency and result in high morbidity and mortality. Hence, surgical tradition advocates timely detection and elective repair wherever possible.

Throughout history, researchers have been searching for identifiable predisposing factors associated with inguinal hernia development, trying to answer an age-old question: 'Can inguinal hernia development be predicted?' for its early identification and tailored management.

Studies have shown a definite relationship between the occurrence of inguinal hernia and pelvic anatomy. Low-lying pubic tubercle is reported as an important and measurable risk factor.

Objective: The objectives were to detect the prevalence of low-lying pubic tubercle in patients with Inguinal Hernia and analyze the risk factors.

Methodology: This study was a prospective observational study done in Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital (TUTH) for a duration of 1 year after ethics committee clearance. About 71 patients who met the inclusion criteria were enrolled in the trial after providing written informed consent in accordance with the Institution Review Board's format. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 25 was used for data analysis.
Results: In our study, the prevalence of low-lying pubic tubercles was high among patients with inguinal hernia.
Conclusion: Anthropometric measurements like low-lying pubic tubercle can be a predisposing for inguinal hernia development.