Incisional hernia of elective midline caesarean section: Incidence and risk factors

The precise incidence of incisional hernia after midline cesarean section is unknown. The aim of this study was to analyze the incidence and risk factors for hernia after elective lower midline caesarean section (CS). A prospective cohort study of 284 women for incisional hernia development after elective midline CS) was conducted at Prince Hashem Ben Al-Hussein hospital from April 2006 to December 2008. All patients included had a history of at least two previous CSs. Patients were divided in two groups: one study group consisted of women who had an incisional hernia and the control group consisted of women who had not developed an incisional hernia within two years post CS. Within the two groups, potential risk factors (age, body mass index, parity, number of previous cesareans, type of previous incision, chronic cough, diabetes mellitus, heart disease, low albumin, anesthesia type, postoperative fever and wound complications) were statistically analyzed with the development of incisional hernia. The two year hernia frequency was 5.6% .Independent risk factors of incisional hernia development included: increase in number of previous CSs, obesity, and wound complications. We concluded that this incidence was higher than previously estimated. Counseling on the family size for this group of women will reduce the chance for further CS with its associated risk. In addition, measures to reduce wound infections may reduce the incidence of incisional hernia following elective midline cesarean section.

Key-words:

Women - Cesarean section - hernia - wound - complications

Publication History

Received: 31 January 2011

Accepted: 14 March 2011

Article published online:
23 May 2022