Positive family history increases the risk of developing inguinal hernia in both children and adults

The study conducted a systematic review with meta-analyses to assess the inheritance of groin hernias. It included 22 studies and found that a positive family history, particularly between mothers and daughters and between sisters, significantly increased the risk of inguinal hernia in children. In adults, patients with inguinal hernia had higher odds of having a positive family history compared to those without hernia. The study also revealed a higher risk of hernia repair when a sister had been repaired compared to a brother, as well as an increased risk of femoral hernia repair among siblings. Overall, the findings provide overwhelming evidence that a positive family history is a major risk factor for developing inguinal hernia in both children and adults.