Herniography: a diagnostic tool in groin symptoms following hernial surgery.

The diagnostic value of herniography for groin symptoms after hernial surgery was evaluated in 106 patients. When clinical examination indicated recurrent hernia, herniography was positive in 32 of 40 cases (80%). When no hernia was palpable, herniography revealed recurrence in 28 of 66 cases (42%). A narrow hernial neck was found in 33% of recurrent direct inguinal hernias. Preoperative herniographic findings were confirmed at subsequent surgery in 51 of 53 cases (96%). Postoperative herniography in symptomatic patients without palpable hernial recurrence increased the number of diagnosed recurrences by 44%. Herniography significantly adds to the reliability of clinical diagnosis, with specific information concerning type of recurrent hernia and appearance of the hernial neck.