INTRODUCTION: Herniography has been shown to be useful in the detection of occult groin hernias in patients with a history of groin pain. We performed a retrospective review to assess our experience of this investigation. METHODS: The notes of 170 patients who underwent herniography between 1995 and 2004 were reviewed. The results of herniography and subsequent treatment and follow-up were investigated. RESULTS: Of the 170 patients who underwent herniography, 84 patients (49%) had positive herniograms, indicating the presence of hernia. Twelve of these were patients with chronic groin pain post hernia repair. All patients reported as having a positive herniogram underwent surgical exploration, which confirmed the presence of herniae, which were repaired and patients reported symptomatic benefit on further follow-up. The remaining 86 patients (51%) had a normal herniogram; 20 patients presented with groin pain after hernia repair and were referred to a pain management team. There were two minor complications of the procedure and no major complications. Twenty patients were prevented from undergoing needless surgical re-exploration by the use of this technique. CONCLUSION: Herniography has great value in excluding inguinal hernia in patients with chronic symptoms in the groin. It is a useful diagnostic tool for the identification of clinically occult herniae and this investigation can prevent needless surgery and re-exploration in those cases with previous hernia repair.
INTRODUCTION: Herniography has been shown to be useful in the detection of occult groin hernias in patients with a history of groin pain. We performed a retrospective review to assess our experience of this investigation. METHODS: The notes of 170 patients who underwent herniography between 1995 and 2004 were reviewed. The results of herniography and subsequent treatment and follow-up were investigated. RESULTS: Of the 170 patients who underwent herniography, 84 patients (49%) had positive herniograms, indicating the presence of hernia. Twelve of these were patients with chronic groin pain post hernia repair. All patients reported as having a positive herniogram underwent surgical exploration, which confirmed the presence of herniae, which were repaired and patients reported symptomatic benefit on further follow-up. The remaining 86 patients (51%) had a normal herniogram; 20 patients presented with groin pain after hernia repair and were referred to a pain management team. There were two minor complications of the procedure and no major complications. Twenty patients were prevented from undergoing needless surgical re-exploration by the use of this technique. CONCLUSION: Herniography has great value in excluding inguinal hernia in patients with chronic symptoms in the groin. It is a useful diagnostic tool for the identification of clinically occult herniae and this investigation can prevent needless surgery and re-exploration in those cases with previous hernia repair.