Clinical differentiation of direct inguinal
hernias, indirect inguinal hernias,
femoral and Spigelian hernias can be
difficult particularly with small hernias and
in obese patients. Diagnostic imaging
can detect and characterize hernias more
reliably, allow better surgical planning
and possibly even prevent unnecessary
surgery. Detection of complications
occurring in groin hernias is also of
importance. Hernial incarceration is
particularly evident on ultrasound (US)
performed during rest and abdomimal
straining (Valsalva maneuver) in both
the supine and erect postures. Hernial
strangulation is visible both with US and
with computed tomography (CT) with
fluid appearing around the hernial sac
contents.peer-reviewe
