Anterior abdominal wall hernias: diagnosis by ultrasound and tangential radiographs.

Spigelian and epigastric hernias can cause diagnostic problems as they often present in elderly, obese patients with few specific symptoms or signs. Early diagnosis is important as both groups of hernia have a high rate of bowel strangulation. The combined value of ultrasound and tangential radiographs in the diagnosis of these hernias is presented along with a review of the literature.