How can you tell the difference between direct and indirect inguinal hernia ultrasound?

How can you tell the difference between direct and indirect inguinal hernia ultrasound?

The inferior epigastric artery at its origin is a critical anatomic landmark in differentiating indirect from direct inguinal hernias; a hernia originating lateral to the inferior epigastric artery is indirect, whereas one that is medial is direct.

How can we differentiate between superficial and deep inguinal hernias?

The location of these two points is clinically important and is also a common exam question. The deep inguinal ring is located just above the mid-point of the inguinal ligament. The superficial ring lies just above and lateral to the pubic tubercle (see illustration below).

What is the neck of an inguinal hernia?

Results: 96.8% of inguinal hernias have their necks above and lateral to pubic tubercle while all femoral hernia had their necks below and lateral to the pubic tubercle.

How can you tell if a hernia is direct or indirect?

If you’re a man and your doctor finds that the hernia has extended into your scrotum, the diagnosis is usually an indirect hernia. A direct hernia doesn’t follow that path through the inguinal ring into the scrotum. That means a hernia that forms one side of the groin or the other is most likely a direct hernia.

Are hernias visible on ultrasound?

Ultrasound. An ultrasound uses sound waves to generate images of your pelvic area and abdomen. In women, ultrasounds can help your doctor rule out other causes of pain, such as ovarian cysts or fibroids. In men, an ultrasound can help diagnose inguinal or scrotal hernias.

What does an indirect inguinal hernia look like?

A bulge in the area on either side of your pubic bone, which becomes more obvious when you’re upright, especially if you cough or strain. A burning or aching sensation at the bulge. Pain or discomfort in your groin, especially when bending over, coughing or lifting. A heavy or dragging sensation in your groin.

What can be mistaken for inguinal hernia?

Femoral hernias are sometimes mistaken for inguinal hernias because they occur in a nearby location. Femoral hernias are relatively uncommon. In fact, fewer than 5% of all hernias turn out to be femoral hernias. Femoral hernias occur more commonly in women than in men.

What is an occult inguinal hernia?

An occult hernia or hidden hernia, also commonly referred to as an occult inguinal hernia, is an undetectable mass of herniated tissue. It is usually impossible to discover through a physical examination or even with an ultrasound.

What is the best test to detect a hernia?

Diagnosing Hernia in Adults

• CT Scans. Your doctor may order a CT scan to check for conditions that can cause abdominal pain and swelling, such as appendicitis, which is an inflammation of the appendix.
• MRI Scans. Your doctor may recommend an MRI scan, particularly if your pain gets worse when you exercise.
• Ultrasound.