Groin hernia: role of herniography.

To determine the value of herniography (also known as peritoneography) in the detection of groin hernias, herniographs obtained in 70 consecutive patients with clinically suspected hernias (but with a normal or inconclusive physical examination) were retrospectively evaluated. The radiologic features, complications, and final clinical outcome were reviewed. A total of 30 hernias were found. Sixteen patients underwent surgery; there were no false-positive herniographic diagnoses. No procedure-related complications occurred. These results indicate that herniography is a simple and valuable diagnostic tool in patients with unexplained groin pain or pain in the anterior abdominal wall, with an acceptably low complication rate.