The inguinal herniogram: a radiologic aid for accurate diagnosis of inguinal hernia in infants.

Abstract

Abstract Radiologic visualization of hernia sacs with intraperitoneal contrast material (inguinal herniography) was performed in 59 children. Bilateral inguinal exploration was performed in 50. Herniograms correctly identified size, configuration, and site in 76 of 77 hernias (98 percent) and 49 of 50 patients (98 percent); 3 cumulative preoperative physical examinations were accurate in 30 of the 50 cases (60 percent). There was no false positive herniogram, only one false negative, and no significant morbidity. Herniograms may prove helpful in diagnosing the presence of a reported but unconfirmed hernia or the existence of an unsuspected contralateral hernia and in identifying cryptorchid testes associated with hernias for early repair.