DOI: https://doi.org/10.36347/sasjs.2026.v12i01.014

Pages: 81-87

Background: Surgical disorders of the abdominal wall constitute a substantial component of general surgical practice. Among them, abdominal wall hernias and postoperative incisional hernias are the most predominant. This study aimed to describe the epidemiological, diagnostic and therapeutic characteristics of abdominal wall surgical pathologies at the Suru-Lere University Teaching Hospital in order to improve patient care. Methods: We conducted a retrospective, descriptive, cross-sectional study including 128 patients who underwent surgery for abdominal wall pathologies at CHUZ-SL over a three-year period, from 1 January 2022 to 31 December 2024. Results: Among the 624 patients operated on during the study period, 128 met the inclusion criteria (20.51%). The mean age was 48,27±15,93. The most represented age group was 25–50 years (48.44%). Men were predominant (59.38%) and craftsmen and manual labourers formed the largest occupational category (35.16%). The majority of patients resided in urban areas (82.81%), identified mostly as Christian (82.81%), and had attained higher education (32.81%). Parietal swelling was the leading presenting symptom (50.78%). Most patients were admitted as emergencies (67.19%) with nausea the most common functional symptom (53.12%). Right inguinal hernia was the main clinical diagnosis (23.47%). Mesh repair was the most frequently performed procedure (76.56%). The outcome was favourable in most cases (96.88%). Conclusion: Abdominal wall pathologies are frequent in general surgical practice. Diagnosis is primarily clinical, although imaging may be required in selected cases. Treatment remains surgical.