FREQUENCY OF SEROMA FORMATION IN PATIENTS UNDERGOING LICHTENSTEIN REPAIR FOR INGUINAL HERNIA

A REHMAN; F AKBAR

doi:10.54112/pjicm.v5i02.157

Authors

A REHMAN Department of General Surgery, Saidu Group of Teaching Hospital, Swat, Pakistan
F AKBAR Department of General Surgery, Saidu Group of Teaching Hospital, Swat, Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54112/pjicm.v5i02.157

Keywords:

Inguinal Hernia, Lichtenstein Repair, Seroma, Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

Background: Lichtenstein mesh hernioplasty is the most widely performed surgical technique for inguinal hernia repair. Postoperative seroma formation remains a frequent complication that can affect recovery and patient outcomes. Objective: To determine the frequency of seroma formation in patients undergoing Lichtenstein repair for inguinal hernia. Study Design: Descriptive study. Setting: Department of Surgery, Saidu Group of Teaching Hospital, Pakistan. Duration of Study: 13-August-2024 to 13-February-2025. Methods: A total of 120 patients with inguinal hernia were enrolled using consecutive non-probability sampling. All patients underwent Lichtenstein mesh hernioplasty under general anaesthesia. Seroma formation was assessed within 30 days postoperatively, defined by pain (VAS > 3), tenderness, and a palpable fluid collection that discharged clear fluid on examination. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 27. Results: The mean age of patients was 46.17 ± 13.84 years, with 113 (94.2%) males and 7 (5.8%) females. Seroma formation occurred in 9.2% of patients. No significant association was found between seroma and any of the demographic or clinical variables, including age, gender, BMI, hypertension, smoking, or socioeconomic status. However, a significant association was observed between diabetes mellitus and seroma formation (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Seroma formation was observed in 9.2% of patients following Lichtenstein repair for inguinal hernia. Diabetes mellitus was significantly associated with an increased risk of seroma, highlighting the need for careful perioperative management in diabetic patients.

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