The significance of the use of ultrasound in diagnosing inguinal hernia

The present study attempts to define the effectiveness of ultrasound in pre-operative assessment of the type and size of hernias of the groin. The size of hernias is measured according to Schumpelick\'s classification.
Materials and methods: Ultrasound was applied to 43 patients (3 women and 40 men) with 62 hernias who qualified for the surgical treatment of primary groin hernias. 19 of the patients who had been operated on had double hernias, 9 had left-side hernias, and 15 right-side hernias. Their ages varied from 22 to 88, giving an average of 58 years. The type and size of the hernias as established before the operation was tested by examination during surgery.
Results: The type of hernia was correctly identified by ultrasound in 46 cases (74%). The size of hernia was correctly assessed in 36 cases (58%). Indirect hernias were correctly identified in 31 out of 37 cases (84%), whilst the assessment of size was correct in 24 cases (48%). Ultrasound produced inaccurate assessment in 6 out of 37 cases of indirect hernia (16%) and in 10 out of 25 cases of direct hernia (40%). Ultrasound assessment agreed with clinical assessment in 29 cases (78%) of indirect hernias and 12 cases of direct hernias (48%).
Conclusions: Our research proved the effectiveness of USG scans in the assessment of hernias of the groin. The type of hernia was correctly identified in 75% of cases, the size of hernia in 58%. Faulty assessment occurred most frequently in cases of large, direct hernias. They were caused by the image of the hernia sack being thrown during ultrasound lateral to epigastric vessels and in front of the spermatic cord.