Clinical Profile and Management Outcomes of Ventral Hernia: An Observational Study

Abstract Background: Ventral hernias constitute the second-most common abdominal wall defect after inguinal hernias, accounting for 25%–35% of all hernias. They are associated with significant morbidity and recurrence. Aims: The aim is to analyze clinical presentation, risk factors, complications and surgical approaches to the management of ventral hernias. Methods: This prospective observational study included 70 patients admitted with ventral hernia. Demographic data, comorbidities, type of hernia, operative approach, anaesthesia and perioperative outcomes were recorded. Patients underwent either open or laparoscopic repair depending on defect characteristics and surgeon preference. Data were analysed using SPSS v25, with categorical variables expressed as percentages and continuous variables as mean ± standard deviation Results: The majority of patients were females (81.4%), with peak incidence between 40 and 49 years. Paraumbilical hernia (32.9%) was the most common type, followed by incisional hernia (15.7%). Hypertension (28.6%), diabetes (18.6%) and obesity (14.3%) were the leading comorbidities. Over half of the incisional hernias occurred within 1 year of gynaecological or emergency midline procedures. Open mesh repair was performed in 87.1% of patients, most commonly by the only technique, while 12.9% underwent laparoscopic repair. Mean hospital stay was 5.66 ± 1.75 days. Post-operative complications were minimal (7.1%), limited to ileus, surgical site infection, seroma and pneumonitis. Conclusion: Ventral hernia predominantly affects middle-aged women, commonly following gynecological or emergency abdominal surgeries. Paraumbilical and incisional hernias are the most frequent subtypes. Mesh-based tension-free repair remains the mainstay of treatment, with laparoscopic repair offering advantages in selected patients. Low complication rates in this series affirm the safety and effectiveness of standardised mesh techniques.