Epidemiology

Approximately 4.5 million people in the US have an inguinal hernia, with around 500,000 new inguinal hernias diagnosed annually, though recent data are not available.[6][7] About 750,000 procedures were performed in 2003 across the US for inguinal hernia. Although the incidence and prevalence worldwide is unknown, it is estimated that over 20 million surgical procedures for inguinal hernia are performed each year.[2] Operation rates vary between countries, but range from 100 to 300 procedures per 100,000 people per year.[8] Although inguinal hernia can occur in both sexes, the disorder predominantly affects men (male:female ratio is 7-9:1).[9] In general, inguinal hernia affects all ages, but the incidence increases with age.[10][11][12] The lifetime risk of inguinal herniation is approximately 27% for men and 3% for women.[13] Inguinal hernia is bilateral in up to 20% of affected adults.[13][14]

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