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Question 1#

The incidence of inguinal hernias in men has a bimodal distribution, which peaks:

A. Before the second year of life and after age 50
B. Before the first year of life and after age 40
C. Before the eighth year oflife and after age 40
D. Before the fifth year of life and after age 50

Correct Answer is B

Comment:

Approximately 75% of abdominal wall hernias occur in the groin. The lifetime risk of inguinal hernia is 27% in men and 3% in women. Of inguinal hernia repairs, 90% are performed in men and 10% in women. The incidence of inguinal hernias in men has a bimodal distribution, with peaks before the first year oflife and after age 40. Abramson demonstrated the age dependence of inguinal hernias in 1978. Those between ages 25 and 34 years had a lifetime prevalence rate of 15%, whereas those aged 75 years and over had a rate of 47% (Table below). Approximately 70% of femoral hernia repairs are performed in women; however, inguinal hernias are five times more common than femoral hernias. The most common subtype of groin hernia in men and women is the indirect inguinal hernia.

Inguinal hernia prevalence by age: