The pathogenesis and etiology of groin hernias are not fully understood. Some risk factors are unknown and some are debated. Tobacco has been speculated as a possible risk factor for groin hernias. Some studies have not showed any connection, whereas other has showed that smokers have primary hernias at a younger age and that recurrences of hernias are more common among smokers. There have also been several studies showing a connection between smoking and changes in collagen metabolism. Present study evaluates the connection between groin hernia repair and tobacco use.
Supplement 1