Shared and Nonshared Familial Susceptibility to Surgically Treated Inguinal Hernia, Femoral Hernia, Incisional Hernia, Epigastric Hernia, and Umbilical Hernia

Family history of surgically treated AWH is an important risk factor for surgical treatment of AWH. The 5 forms of AWH studied share familial susceptibility, but site-specific familial factors might exist. Several spouse risks were increased, suggesting the possibility of a nongenetic contribution to familial risks.