Giant Inguinal Hernia: Our Experience in Maiduguri, North Eastern Nigeria

Background: Globally, inguinal hernia is the most common type of abdominal wall hernias. Access to surgical repair is limited resulting in many patients developing giant hernias associated with higher morbidity and mortality. Patients and methods: The study reviewed all cases of giant inguinal hernia managed between January 2007 and December 2012 in U. M. T. H. Results: A total of 21 patients were analyzed. All patients were males; age ranged from 35 - 78 years with peak age group 60 - 69 accounting for 33.33 % of patients. The presenting features include groin swelling, dragging sensation in all patients, coital problems in 61.90 %. There were 61.90 % hernia on the right and 38.10 %. Indirect hernia was 80.95 % and 19.05 % were direct hernia. The etiological factors include farming in 100 %, benign prostatic enlargement 52.38 %. The post operative complications were scrotal hematoma in 33.33 %, and surgical site infection in 14.29 %. Conclusion. Giant inguinal hernia is often seen in developing countries due to late presentation often in patients with inter current medical conditions making open surgery to have a prime place. To reduce morbidity and mortality public enlightenment towards early presentation is advised