The value of diagnostic ultrasound for detecting occult inguinal hernia in patients with groin pain

: The value of diagnostic ultrasound for detecting occult inguinal hernia in The aim of this study was to demonstrate the accuracy of ultrasound in diagnosing occult hernia in patients with recurrent inguinal pain and a negative clinical examination. Over a period of three years, a total of 51 patients were referred for ultrasound examination with clinically suspected occult inguinal hernia. Patients with positive US scans were offered surgery, while those with negative US findings were offered further imaging or other diagnostic tests. The ultrasound examination of the inguinal region was conducted using a 5-10 MHz linear probe. The scan was performed with the patient in the supine and erect positions, in a relaxed state, as well as during coughing and during a Valsalva manoeuvre. Overall, ultrasound diagnosed 20 inguinal hernias and all 20 patients with positive scans underwent surgery. Surgery confirmed the ultrasound diagnosis in 19 patients, only 1/20 having no hernia at operation (100% ultrasound sensitivity and 96.9% specificity). Patients undergoing surgery showed complete symptom resolution at a three-month follow-up. This study confirms that ultrasound is capable of accurately diagnosing groin hernia and this may justify its use in patients with chronic groin pain due to a suspected occult hernia.