ASSOCIATION OF BENIGN PROSTATIC HYPERPLASIA WITH INGUINAL HERNIA IN ELDERLY MALES

Abstract

Background: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and inguinal hernia are common age-related conditions affecting elderly males. Chronic bladder outlet obstruction and repeated straining during micturition in patients with BPH may contribute to the development of inguinal hernia. The coexistence of these conditions may have important clinical implications for patient management.

Objectives: To determine the association of benign prostatic hyperplasia with inguinal hernia in elderly males.

Study Design & Setting: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Departments of Surgery and Urology of Shaikh Zayed Hospital, Lahore.

Methodology: A total of 130 male patients aged 60 years and above with diagnosed BPH were enrolled through consecutive non-probability sampling. Demographic and clinical data including age, body mass index, duration of lower urinary tract symptoms, prostate volume, smoking status, chronic cough, and constipation were recorded. BPH severity was assessed using the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS). Patients were evaluated for the presence of inguinal hernia through clinical examination. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26.0, and associations were determined using the Chi-square test. A p-value of ≤0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: The mean age of participants was 69.4 ± 6.8 years. Inguinal hernia was present in 38 (29.2%) patients. A significant association was observed between inguinal hernia and BPH severity (p=0.006), with hernia prevalence increasing from 12.5% in mild cases to 48.6% in severe cases. Inguinal hernia was also significantly associated with age ≥70 years (p=0.021), duration of symptoms >3 years (p=0.003), prostate volume >40 mL (p=0.015), chronic cough (p=0.018), and constipation (p=0.009).

Conclusion: Inguinal hernia was frequently observed among elderly males with BPH and showed significant associations with disease severity and several clinical risk factors. Routine assessment for inguinal hernia may be beneficial in elderly patients with BPH