From the Research
The incidence of inguinal hernia repair among older adults is approximately 10-15% for men over 60 years old, with a significant increase in risk after age 70, as reported in the most recent study 1. The rate is significantly higher in men than women, with a male-to-female ratio of about 8:1. For adults over 65, the annual incidence ranges from 4-6 per 1,000 person-years for men and 0.5-1 per 1,000 person-years for women, as shown in a study from 2. The likelihood of requiring surgical repair increases substantially after age 70, with some studies showing that up to 25% of men will develop an inguinal hernia by age 80. This higher prevalence in older adults is attributed to weakening of abdominal muscles and connective tissues with age, increased intra-abdominal pressure from conditions like chronic cough or constipation, and loss of muscle mass (sarcopenia), as discussed in 3. Comorbidities common in older adults, such as obesity, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and prostate enlargement in men, further increase the risk of inguinal hernia development and subsequent need for repair, as noted in 4. Some key points to consider include:
- The lifetime risk of developing an inguinal hernia is 27% for men and 3% for women, as reported in 5.
- Elective repair of inguinal hernia should be undertaken soon after diagnosis to minimize the risk of adverse outcomes, as recommended in 5.
- Laparoscopic repair is associated with a lower risk of chronic groin pain compared to open repair, as shown in 1. Overall, the incidence of inguinal hernia repair among older adults is a significant concern, and prompt elective repair is often recommended to minimize the risk of complications and improve quality of life, as emphasized in 2.