Sonographic Association Between Body Mass Index and Anterior Abdominal Wall Hernias: A Hospital-Based Cross-Sectional Study

Authors

  • Babar Ali University Institute of Radiological Sciences and Medical Imaging Technology, The University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan Author https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1798-0474
  • Muhammad Umar University Institute of Radiological Sciences and Medical Imaging Technology, The University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan Author
  • Rashad Ali University Institute of Radiological Sciences and Medical Imaging Technology, The University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan Author
  • Aqsa Aslam University Institute of Radiological Sciences and Medical Imaging Technology, The University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan Author
  • Tayyaba Shafiq University Institute of Radiological Sciences and Medical Imaging Technology, The University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan Author
  • Laraib Fatima University Institute of Radiological Sciences and Medical Imaging Technology, The University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan Author
  • Eisha Riaz University Institute of Radiological Sciences and Medical Imaging Technology, The University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan Author
  • Amtul Kafi University Institute of Radiological Sciences and Medical Imaging Technology, The University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan Author
  • Javeria Nawab University Institute of Radiological Sciences and Medical Imaging Technology, The University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan Author

Keywords:

Abdominal Wall, Abdominal Wall Hernia, Body Mass Index, Hernia, Obesity, Sonography, Ultrasonography

Abstract

Background: Anterior abdominal wall hernias are a common surgical condition with significant morbidity, affecting approximately 4–5% of the global population. Increased body mass index (BMI) is hypothesized to contribute to hernia formation by elevating intra-abdominal pressure and weakening the abdominal wall. Despite its clinical importance, limited research has explored the general association between BMI and all types of anterior abdominal wall hernias. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the association between BMI and the occurrence of anterior abdominal wall hernias using sonographic assessment in a hospital-based population. Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted at the Department of Radiology, Chughtai Medical Centre, Lahore, from March to September 2024. A total of 200 patients undergoing abdominal ultrasound were enrolled using a convenience sampling method. BMI was categorized into obese (>30 kg/m2) and non-obese (≤30 kg/m2). High-resolution ultrasound (Toshiba Aplio 300, 7–12 MHz linear probe) was used for hernia detection. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25, with chi-square tests applied for statistical associations. Results: Among 200 participants (mean age 52.36 ± 15.81 years, mean BMI 29.13 ± 4.49 kg/m2), 24 (12.0%) had anterior abdominal wall hernias. Paraumbilical hernias were most common (13 cases, 6.5%), followed by umbilical (6 cases, 3.0%), incisional (3 cases, 1.5%), and epigastric (2 cases, 1.0%). Hernia prevalence was higher in obese individuals (9.3% vs. 6.5%) and females (14.1% vs. 7.7%), but associations were not statistically significant (p = 0.6087, p = 0.1944, respectively). Conclusion: Increased BMI and advancing age were associated with a higher prevalence of anterior abdominal wall hernias, though statistical significance was not established. Sonographic evaluation remains an essential tool for accurate hernia diagnosis, particularly in obese individuals.
Keywords: Abdominal Wall, Abdominal Wall Hernia, Body Mass Index, Hernia, Obesity, Sonography, Ultrasonography.

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Author Biographies

  • Babar Ali, University Institute of Radiological Sciences and Medical Imaging Technology, The University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan

    University Institute of Radiological Sciences and Medical Imaging Technology, The University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan

  • Muhammad Umar, University Institute of Radiological Sciences and Medical Imaging Technology, The University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan

    University Institute of Radiological Sciences and Medical Imaging Technology, The University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan

  • Rashad Ali , University Institute of Radiological Sciences and Medical Imaging Technology, The University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan

    University Institute of Radiological Sciences and Medical Imaging Technology, The University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan

  • Aqsa Aslam, University Institute of Radiological Sciences and Medical Imaging Technology, The University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan

    University Institute of Radiological Sciences and Medical Imaging Technology, The University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan

  • Tayyaba Shafiq , University Institute of Radiological Sciences and Medical Imaging Technology, The University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan

    University Institute of Radiological Sciences and Medical Imaging Technology, The University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan

  • Laraib Fatima, University Institute of Radiological Sciences and Medical Imaging Technology, The University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan

    University Institute of Radiological Sciences and Medical Imaging Technology, The University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan

  • Eisha Riaz, University Institute of Radiological Sciences and Medical Imaging Technology, The University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan

    University Institute of Radiological Sciences and Medical Imaging Technology, The University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan

  • Amtul Kafi, University Institute of Radiological Sciences and Medical Imaging Technology, The University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan

    University Institute of Radiological Sciences and Medical Imaging Technology, The University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan

  • Javeria Nawab, University Institute of Radiological Sciences and Medical Imaging Technology, The University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan

    University Institute of Radiological Sciences and Medical Imaging Technology, The University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan

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Published

09.02.2025

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Section

Original Article

How to Cite

1.
Ali B, Umar M, Ali R, Aslam A, Shafiq T, Fatima L, et al. Sonographic Association Between Body Mass Index and Anterior Abdominal Wall Hernias: A Hospital-Based Cross-Sectional Study. J. Mod. Health Rehab. Sci. [Internet]. 2025 Feb. 9 [cited 2025 Mar. 14];2(1):17. Available from: https://jmhrs.com/index.php/jmhrs/article/view/17