CT diagnosis of occult incisional hernias.

CT of the abdomen was performed on 14 adult patients 2-25 months after laparotomy in order to evaluate intraabdominal processes. Clinically unsuspected incisional hernias were detected in all cases. These herniations were not disclosed by previous physical examination because of the patients' obesity, abdominal pain, distension, or various other factors. However, CT scans showed the exact size, location, and content of each incisional hernia. The evaluation of postsurgical abdomen by CT should include a careful assessment of previous laparotomy sites in search of occult incisional hernias that may be the source of the patient's abdominal symptoms.