Sonography of the anterior abdominal wall.

The improved penetrating power of high frequency, high resolution transducers has made possible routine examination of the anterior abdominal wall. Over 2 years, 79 abdominal wall examinations were performed and the results compared with anatomic findings at surgery. The abdominal wall may be divided into three sonographically distinct regions: the midline, the paramedian, and the inguinal regions. Normal structures can be seen in relation to constant landmarks, and disruption of normal architecture identified.