Hernias In Obese Patients Research Articles

Initial Experience of Laparoscopic Crural Closure in the Management of Hiatal Hernia in Obese Patients Undergoing Sleeve Gastrectomy

Initial Experience of Laparoscopic Crural Closure in the Management of Hiatal Hernia in Obese Patients Undergoing Sleeve Gastrectomy

Feasibility of Anti-reflux Gastric Bypass for Massive Paraesophageal Hernia in Obese Patients With Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease.

Background The objective of this study is to demonstrate the safety and feasibility of anti-reflux gastric bypass (ARGB) as a treatment for symptomatic massive paraesophageal hernias (PEH) in the obese population. Both gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and PEH are particularly prevalent in the obese patient population, and obesity adversely affects the long-term outcomes of all anti-reflux procedures. Methods This is a single-center, retrospective reviewof 17 obese adults who underwent ARGB for the treatment of massive PEH between September 2019 and December 2021. Massive PEH was defined as >5 cm in a singular direction, and obesity as BMI ≥30 kg/m2. Patients without preoperative diagnostic testing were excluded. We reviewed and analyzed patient demographic data, postoperative symptom resolution, weight loss, and complications using descriptive statistics, change from baseline, and comparison of proportions. Results Sixteen of the 17 subjects were female. The median age was 48, and the median BMI was 39.10 kg/m2(30.0-49.3 kg/m2). The average PEH size on imaging was 6.48 (H) x 6.25 (W) cm. The resolution of heartburn was 93.8% (p<0.001), and the resolution of nausea and vomiting was 80.0%. The mean postoperative length of follow-up was 9.12 months. Median excess body weight loss percentages at one, three, six, and 12 months were 16.43% (p<0.001), 35.92% (p<0.001), 40.64% (p=0.001), and 58.58% (p<0.01), respectively. Five patients experienced adverse events requiring additional intervention or hospitalization. There were no symptomatic hernia recurrences or mortality. Conclusion This study demonstrates that ARGB is feasible and potentially effective in treating symptomatic massive paraesophageal hernias in the obese patient population. Further investigation is needed to determine efficacy and long-term outcomes compared to standard surgical repair.

P-080 LAPAROSCOPIC TRANSABDOMINAL RETROMUSCULAR UMBILICAL PROSTHETIC HERNIA REPAIR (LAP-TARUP) &amp; TAPP-INGUINAL IN A SINGLE TIME: A GOOD OPTION IN OBESE PATIENTS?

Abstract Aim The association between midline hernias (primary-or-incisional) and inguinal-hernias is not uncommon, nor is its association with obesity, which increases its incidence every day. In obese patients, the laparoscopic-eTEP-approach to treat ventral hernias is a feasible option but with greater surgical difficulty and worse ergonomics. The laparoscopic-TARUP-approach(TransAbdominal-Retromuscular-Umbilical-Prosthetic-Hernia-Repair) offers the advantages of MIS with better ergonomics in obese patients or those with irreducible incarcerated hernias. Material and Method 77-year-old male patient with obesity (BMI:37.58kg/m2), previous laparoscopic gallbladder surgery,who presents umbilical eventration(EHS: M2–3W2(8cm)) associated with diastasis,in addition to incoercible left inguino-scrotal hernia. Results 5ports are used to perform the surgery.Initially,the classic TAPP-approach of the left inguinal-hernia is performed.After that the video-endoscope is changed to the location of the right flank and continues with the opening at the lateral edge of the posterior sheath of the right-rectum, the retromuscular-space is dissected and the supraumbilical cross-over and subsequent opening of the posterior contralateral sheath is performed.The dissection and reduction of the hernial sac is continued, and the dissection of the left retromuscular-space is completed.The anterior hernia defect is closed and diastasis is replicated with Stratafix-0.Closure of the posterior sheath of the rectums is performed with V-Lock 3–0. A 21×24cm PVDF-mesh is placed in a retromuscular position fixed with Fibrin, and the lateral opening is closed with V-Lock.The patient had a favourable postoperative period. Conclusions The TARUP-approach in midline hernias in obese patients is a valid,safe and better ergonomic option, and is also useful for simultaneously resolving large inguinal hernias by TAPP-approach,as in the case presented.

P013 HOW TO IMPROVE TREATMENT OF COMPLEX INCISIONAL HERNIAS IN OBESE PATIENTS: A SINGLE-CENTRE STUDY, AN EVALUATION OF LESS-OPEN TECHNIQUE AND FREE-FIXATION TECHNIQUE

Abstract Aim Surgery of a complex incisional hernia in an obese patient is a challenging procedure for hernia surgeons. The aim of a new approach is to reduce complications such as pain and wound events, without increasing the number of recurrences. Material and Methods Adults with BMI more than 35 who underwent open, elective operation of a complex incisional hernia (with horizontal diameter more than 12cm) including posterior component separation technique with TAR (transversus abdominis muscle release) and retromuscular synthetic large-pore mesh placement, were identified. Patients were divided into 2 groups: The first group was treated with standard open technique with fixation using interrupted stitches, and the second group was treated with a technique using light hook and no or reduced fixation in the upper and lower pole of the mesh. For post-operative complication evaluation, the Clavien-Dindo classification was used. We have also evaluated an average operation time, length of stay, duration of opioid need. The long-term follow-up was 6 – 48 months. Results There was no significant difference in length of stay, the need of analgetic treatment, and hernia recurrence. Shorter operation time, and lower occurrence of surgical-site infections were reported in the second group, but it was not significant. Conclusions Open posterior component separation technique with TAR using large-pore mesh and no/minimal fixation seems to be a safe and sufficient method of treatment for complex incisional hernias in obese patients. Alternative methods may reduce early complications and pain and do not increase number of recurrences. A larger group of patients and longer follow-up should be needed to improve these findings.

P127 ROBOTIC TRANSABDOMINAL RETRO-RECTUS HERNIA REPAIR VS. LAPAROSCOPIC INTRAPERITONEAL ONLAY MESH REPAIR: IMPROVING POSTOPERATIVE OUTCOMES

Abstract Aim “The optimal repair technique for small and medium-sized ventral hernias in obese patients remains unknown. We aimed to evaluate results after robotic-assisted laparoscopic transabdominal repair with retro-rectus mesh placement (rTARUP) compared with laparoscopic intraperitoneal onlay mesh repair (IPOM).” Material and Methods “Retrospective cohort study of consecutive patients undergoing rTARUP or IPOM repair for small or medium-sized primary ventral and incisional hernias. The primary outcome was postoperative need for transverse abdominis plane (TAP) block or epidural catheter, and secondary outcomes were 30-day complications, and length of stay. All patients underwent elective surgery and were followed for 30 days postoperatively.” Results “A total of 27 patients (rTARUP) and 32 (IPOM) were included. Patients in the two groups were comparable in terms of age, sex, comorbidities, smoking status, body mass index (BMI), and type of hernia. The median BMI was 32.4 kg/m2 and the fascial defect area was comparable (rTARUP median 16.8 cm2 vs. IPOM 11.7 cm2, P = 0.303). The duration of surgery was longer in the rTARUP group (median 117.2 min. vs. 84.4, P = 0.003), whereas the postoperative need for TAP block or epidural analgesics was less in the rTARUP group compared with IPOM (n = 14 vs. n = 1, P = 0.002). There were no severe complications or reoperations in the two groups. The length of stay was shorter in the rTARUP group (median 0 vs. 1 days, P &amp;lt; 0.001).” Conclusions “rTARUP was associated with reduced postoperative analgesic requirement and shorter length of stay compared with laparoscopic IPOM.”

Comparative analysis of surgical interventions for postoperative ventral hernia in obese patients

The problem of surgical treatment of post­operative ventral hernias remains relevant today. Currently, a large number of methods of surgical interventions for hernias of the anterior abdominal wall have been proposed, the variety of which requires systematization and analysis of the immediate and distant results of treatment. Goal: to analyze the effectiveness of laparoscopic hernia repair in patients with postoperative ventral hernia with a body mass index of 30 kg/m2. The results of treatment of 29 patients with postoperative ventral hernia were analyzed. Men – 8 (27.5%), women – 21 (72.5%). In 16 (55.2%) patients (main group) laparoscopic intraperitoneal onlay mesh – IPOM was performed, in 13 (44.8%) patients (comparison group) open hernia repair with fixation of the mesh graft in the Sublay position was performed. The analysis of the duration of the surgical intervention indicates that with open hernia repair, there is a significant increase in the duration of the surgical intervention, p˂0.0001. Comparison of the duration of operations in both groups depending on the body mass index also indicates the dependence of the duration of surgery on this indicator. Thus, in the comparison group, there was a tendency to an increase in the duration of the operation with an increase in the body weight of patients with a significant difference in the duration of the operation between the main group and the comparison. The duration of a patient's stay in the hospital and the occurrence of respiratory complications correlates with the level of postoperative pain and the duration of surgery. Postoperative complications in the form of fluid accumulations in the wound area of the abdominal wall depend on the method of surgery and the location of the mesh graft. The use of laparoscopic – IPOM in obese patients significantly improves the results of surgery by reducing the level of postoperative pain, shortening the duration of surgery, and the absence of complications in the early and late postoperative period. When choosing the method of surgical intervention in patients with postoperative ventral hernia, laparoscopic IPOM should be preferred.

Prevalence of Asymptomatic Hiatal Hernia in Obese Patients During Preoperative Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Assessments and Correlation With Body Mass Index.

IntroductionIn obese patients, hiatal hernia (HH) can be asymptomatic or may present with one or few symptoms, such as heartburn, nausea, or vomiting. Routine upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy is the most frequent method used to determine the presence of any abnormalities, including HH. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of asymptomatic HH in obese patients during routine upper GI endoscopy assessments and to examine the correlation with body mass index (BMI).Materials and methodsThis was an observational, retrospective cohort study conducted at King Fahad Specialist Hospital, Buraydah, Qassim, Saudi Arabia. The data were extracted from the medical records and electronic charts of all obese patients who underwent preoperative upper GI endoscopy assessment between January 2017 and December 2019. Data were tabulated in Microsoft Excel and analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 21 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA).ResultsAmong the 690 obese patients, HH was found in 103 (14.9%) patients. The chi-square test revealed that abdominal pain (X2=3.885; p=0.049), shortness of breath (X2=8.057; p=0.005), vomiting (X2=4.302; p=0.038), nausea (X2=4.090; p=0.043), and other HH symptoms (X2=3.897, p=0.048) were the most frequently reported HH related symptoms, but BMI was not (X2=2.126; p=0.345). In the multivariate regression model, the use of PPI (proton-pump inhibitor) medication (adjusted OR [AOR]=0.237; 95% CI=0.074-0.760; p=0.023) was found to be higher in those with HH. Vomiting (AOR=1.722; 95% CI=1.025-2.890; p=0.040) and nausea (AOR=1.698; 95% CI=1.012-2.849; p=0.045) were the most frequently reported symptoms related to HH.ConclusionAsymptomatic HH among obese patients is not widely prevalent in our region. The use of PPI medications was found to decrease the symptoms associated with HH, such as vomiting and nausea. However, there was no evidence linking BMI to the development of HH.

Is there an advantage to laparoscopy over open repair of primary umbilical hernias in obese patients? An analysis of the Americas Hernia Society Quality Collaborative (AHSQC).

The most common techniques used to repair umbilical hernias are open and laparoscopic. As the obesity epidemic in the United States is growing, it is essential to understand how this morbidity affects umbilical hernia repairs. This study compares laparoscopic versus open umbilical hernia repairs in obese patients. All patients with body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30kg/m2 who underwent elective, open or laparoscopic repair of a primary umbilical hernia with mesh were identified from the Americas Hernia Society Quality Collaborative (AHSQC). A retrospective review of the prospectively collected data was conducted. Outcomes of interest included surgical site infections (SSI), surgical site occurrences requiring procedural intervention (SSOPI), hernia-related quality-of-life survey (HerQles), and long-term recurrence. A logistic regression model was used to generate propensity scores. Of 1507 patients who met the inclusion criteria, 322 were laparoscopic, and 1185 were open cases. The laparoscopic group had higher mean BMI (37 ± 6 vs. 35 ± 5kg/m2 , P < 0.001 ) and mean hernia width (3cm ± 1 vs. 2cm ± 2, P < 0.001). Using a propensity score model, we controlled for several clinically relevant covariates. Propensity score adjustment showed no differences in the 30-day HerQles score (OR 0.93, 95% CI 0.58-1.49), SSI (OR 1.57, 95% CI 0.52-4.77), SSOPI (OR 2.85, 95% CI 0.84-9.62) or hernia recurrence (hazard ratio 0.86, 95% CI 0.50-1.49). In obese patients with primary umbilical hernias, there is likely no benefit to laparoscopy over open umbilical hernia repair with mesh with regard to wound morbidity. Although, the long-term recurrence also showed no difference between these two approaches, overall follow up was lacking.

Obese individuals are at increased risk of recurrence following open closure of midline incisional hernia using retromuscular repair

AimObesity is considered a risk factor for recurrence following hernia surgery. However, data on long‐term recurrence following open closure of midline incisional hernia in obese patients are scarce. The present study was designed to investigate the rate of long‐term recurrence in patients with obesity.Patients and MethodsThis was a single centre retrospective analysis. The outcomes of obese patients were compared with those of patients who were not obese. Outcomes included the duration of surgery, the rate of morbidity and the rate of recurrence. Retromuscular repair was used in all cases.ResultsThe outcomes of 56 obese patients were compared to those of 59 patients who were not obese. No significant differences were seen among both groups with regard to the duration of surgery, length of hospital stay, rate of seroma formation, postoperative haematoma formation and surgical site infection. However, the rate of long‐term recurrence was significantly higher in obese patients (19.9 per cent vs 5.2 per cent, P = 0.04).ConclusionIn our retrospective study, obese patients had an increased risk of long‐term recurrence following closure of midline incisional hernia with retromuscular repair.

Using Surgicel® Plug to Prevent Trocar Site Hernia after Laparo- scopic Surgery in Obese Patients

Background: Incisional hernia and wound dehiscence are common complications after abdominal surrgery. The development of minimally invasive surgical techniques has led to a dramatic decrease in these complications. Ten-millimeter and wider ports are often used in laparoscopic surgery. It could be difficult to close the ports sites, especially in obese patients, so, laparoscopic surgery may still be followed by trocar site herniation. Various methods have been advocated for its prevention. The aim of this study was to try a new method to prevent trocar site hernia in obese patients. Patientsand methods: This prospective interventional non-randomized non-controlled study was conducted in the Department of General Surgery at Ain Shams University hospitals in the period from November 2013 to November 2016 on 150 obese (Body mass index (BMI)>35 kg/m2) patients (50 males and 100 females) who underwent laparoscopic surgery (70 cholecystectomies, 25 gastric bypass surgeries, 35 sleeve gastrectomies and 20 appendectomies). In all patients, the fascial layer of trocar wounds was not closed. Instead, a Surgicel® plug was inserted into the muscle layer of trocar wounds. Informed consent was obtained from all patients included in the study. Results: One case, out of the included 150 obese patients, after laparoscopic gastric bypass developed port site hernia with an incidence of 0.67% (1/150). In both patients, hernia was uncomplicated. No patient in the other groups has been found to develop a hernia. Conclusion: Surgicel® plug is an easy technique with very low incidence of trocar site hernia after laparoscopic procedures in obese patients.

Z-entry technique reduces the risk of trocar-site hernias in obese patients.

Z-entry technique reduces the risk of trocar-site hernias in obese patients.

Paraesophageal Hernia Repair With Partial Longitudinal Gastrectomy in Obese Patients.

Background and Objectives:Treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) with hiatal hernia in obese patients has proven difficult, as studies demonstrate poor symptom control and high failure rates in this patient population. Recent data have shown that incorporating weight loss procedures into the treatment of reflux may improve overall outcomes.Methods:We retrospectively reviewed 28 obese and morbidly obese patients who presented from December 2007 through July 2013 with large or recurrent type 3 or 4 paraesophageal hernia. All of the patients underwent combined paraesophageal hernia repair and partial longitudinal gastrectomy. Charts were retrospectively reviewed, and the patients were contacted to determine symptomatic relief.Results:Mean preoperative body mass index was 38.1 ± 4.9 kg/m2. Anatomic failure of prior fundoplication occurred in 7 patients (25%). The remaining 21 had primary paraesophageal hernia, 3 of which were type 4. Postoperative complications included pulmonary embolism (n = 1), pulmonary decompensation (n = 2), and wound infection (n = 1). Mean hospital stay was 5 ± 3 days. Upper gastrointestinal esophagogram was performed in 21 patients with no immediate recurrence or staple line dehiscence. Mean excess weight loss was 44 ± 25%. All of the patients surveyed experienced near to total resolution of their preoperative symptoms within the first month. At 1 year, symptom scores decreased significantly. At 27 months, however, there was a mild increase in the scores. Return of severe symptoms occurred in 2 patients, both of whom underwent conversion to gastric bypass.Conclusions:Combined laparoscopic paraesophageal hernia repair with longitudinal partial gastrectomy offers a safe, feasible approach to the management of large or recurrent paraesophageal hernia in well-selected obese and morbidly obese patients. Short-term results were promising; however, intermediate results showed increasing rates of reflux symptoms that required medical therapy or conversion to gastric bypass.

The partial underlay preperitoneal with panniculectomy repair for incisional abdominal hernia in the morbidly obese

BackgroundBecause of high frequency, high morbidity, and difficulty of repair, incisional hernias in obese patients represent a particularly vexing and common problem for surgeons. The objective of this study was to describe a highly selective technique for incisional hernia repair with panniculectomy in the morbidly obese. We also describe perioperative characteristics and preliminary outcomes for a limited series of patients who underwent this procedure. MethodsWe performed a preperitoneal partial mesh underlay with a panniculectomy (PUPP) on 10 patients with incisional hernias and a body mass index (BMI)>40 kg/m2. The hernia repair was performed by a general surgery team, and the panniculectomy was performed by a plastic surgery team. We retrospectively analyzed perioperative variables for each patient. Phone interviews were conducted to obtain follow-up. ResultsMean patient age was 53 years (range 32–75 yr) with mean BMI of 46 kg/m2 (range 41–60 kg/m2). Patients had a history of 3.4 average prior abdominal operations, and a median of 3 prior hernia repairs. The average operative time was 371 minutes with a mean estimated blood loss of 162 ccs. Three patients experienced a minor wound complication. There were no major wound complications, and the 30-day mortality rate was zero. At a median and average follow-up time of 805 and 345 days, respectively, one patient developed a hernia recurrence. Patients were satisfied with their appearance and the hernia repair, with mean satisfaction scores of 4.3 and 4.9 out of 5 (very satisfied), respectively. ConclusionThe PUPP hernia repair is a viable option for incisional herniorrhaphy and concurrent panniculectomy in the morbidly obese.

Dermolipectomía asociada al tratamiento quirúrgico de las hernias incisionales en pacientes obesos

ObjetiveTo evaluate the results of the surgical treatment of ventral hernias in obese patients when a dermolipectomy is associated. Material and methodsA prospective series of cases was design. 61 obese patients with an incisional hernia were treated and a dermolipectomy was associated. The inclusion criteria were: patients with abdominal ventral hernia in the middline, at umbilical or infraumbilical area, with a hernia defect equal or higher than five centimeters, and patients with Body Mass Index higher than 30kg/m2. ResultsThe mean age was 49. All patients were female except three men. The mean body mass index was 33.3kg/m2. The hernia defect was higher than 10cm in 25 patients (40.98%), and between 5 and 10cm in 36 patients (59.01%). Mesh repair was performed by Rives technique in 58 (95.08%) cases and pre-aponeurotic procedure in 3 cases (4.91%). The morbidity of the series was 25.9% (18 patients): seromas in 6 patients (9.8%), bleeding 3 patients (4.9%), partial infection of the prosthesis in 1 patient (1.6%), partial necrotic lesions in the skin scar in 7 patients (11.4%) and recurrent hernia in 1 patient (1.6%). The mean days in hospital was 2.1. ConclusionsDermolipectomy associated to the ventral hernia repair in obese patients with umbilical or infraumbilical defects is an adequate alternative procedure that does not add considerable morbidity, may reduce recurrence rates and improve aesthetic results.

Intrapericardial Diaphragmatic Hernia after Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting Using the Right Gastroepiploic Artery Graft: Report of a Case

Surgeons should be aware of diaphragmatic hernia in obese patients who have undergone coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) using a gastroepiploic artery graft (GEA), even if the antegastric route is utilized.We report a case of diaphragmatic hernia, which occurred 88 months after initial CABG. A 64-year-old obese man underwent surgical repair of a diaphragmatic hernia. At initial surgery, the diaphragm was incised vertically and re-sutured, leaving a route for GEA graft. Both the stomach and the lateral segment of the liver were dislocated in the pericardial space. The diaphragmatic defect was closed with a polytetrafluoroethylene patch.

Initial Experience with Laparoscopic Crural Closure in the Management of Hiatal Hernia in Obese Patients Undergoing Sleeve Gastrectomy

The prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and/or hiatal hernia (HH) is significantly increased in morbidly obese patients. Laparoscopic bariatric procedures such as gastric banding (LGB) and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass have been shown to improve both obesity and reflux symptoms. The aim of this paper is to evaluate the effectiveness of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) and hiatal hernia repair (HHR) for the treatment of obesity complicated by HH. From October 2008, six patients underwent HHR in addition to LSG. Clinical outcomes have been evaluated in terms of GERD symptoms improvement or resolution, interruption of antireflux medication, and X-ray evidence of HH recurrence. Symptomatic HH was diagnosed preoperatively in four patients. In two additional patients, HH was asymptomatic and it was diagnosed intraoperatively. Prosthetic reinforcement of crural closure was performed in two symptomatic cases with a HH >5 cm. Mortality was nil and no complications occurred. After a mean follow-up of 4 months, GERD symptoms resolution occurred in three patients, while the other patient reported an improvement of reflux. Body mass index had fallen from 43.4 to 36.2 kg/m(2). A small recurrence in the patient with persistence of reflux symptoms has been radiologically reported. Laparoscopic crural closure in addition to LSG could represent a valuable option for the synchronous management of morbid obesity and HH, providing good outcomes in terms of weight loss and GERD symptoms control.

Repair of Infected Abdominal Wall Hernias in Obese Patients Using Autologous Dermal Grafts for Reinforcement

Reconstruction of large, infected abdominal wall hernias in obese patients can be extremely challenging. A novel approach to abdominal wall reconstruction in a contaminated setting without the use of prosthetic materials is introduced. Two patients with massive abdominal wall hernias and infected mesh underwent removal of mesh and abdominal wall reconstruction with the component separation technique. Panniculectomy was performed and a dermal graft was obtained by defatting and deepithelializing the specimen. The dermal graft was then applied in an onlay fashion over the fascial closure or used to bridge a fascial gap. One morbidly obese woman underwent reconstruction with onlay dermal graft reinforcement. She is hernia-free at 16 months. A second obese woman, with two enterocutaneous fistulae, had reconstruction with a dermal graft placed to bridge the midline fascial gap. She is hernia-free at 20 months. Autologous reconstruction of abdominal wall hernias, in the setting of infected prosthetic material, provides an excellent opportunity for successful closure of the defect. Failure of component separation is most commonly due to fascial separations at the midline. Autologous dermal grafts provide an ideal reinforcement of these fascial edges in a contaminated environment.

Sonographic evaluation of groin and anterior abdominal wall hernias

Hernias commonly cause pain and/or lumps. Large hernias in thin patients are usually clinically obvious, but the exact type and contents of the hernia might not be clinically apparent. Smaller hernias in obese patients can also cause pain, but may be obscured clinically by thick subcutaneous fat. Sonography can be valuable in determining the presence, type, contents, reducibility, and tenderness of a hernia. There are 5 types of groin hernias—indirect and direct inguinal, femoral, Spigelian, and supravessical. There are 3 types of anterior midline hernias—epigastric and hypogastric linea alba and umbilical hernias. Incisional, laparoscopic trochar site, and parastomal hernias also occur and can be diagnosed with sonography. Most hernias contain only fat and membranes. Only a small percentage contain bowel or peritoneal fluid. Other contents are rare. With sonography, it may not be possible to determine whether a hernia that contains only fat contains intraperitoneal or properitoneal fat unless peritoneal fluid “puddles” when the patient is upright. Fat-containing hernias are of approximately of the same echodensity as surrounding abdominal wall soft tissues and difficult to appreciate unless they can be made to move with dynamic maneuvers such as Valsalva and compression. Compression also helps us determine whether a hernia is partially or completely reducible and whether it is tender. Dynamic maneuvers and upright positioning are critical to the diagnosis of hernias and offer sonography an advantage over CT.

Pediatric hernias

Indirect inguinal hernias, hydroceles, and umbilical hernias are extremely common in infancy and childhood. Less commonly encountered are femoral, direct inguinal, epigastric, and Spigelian hernias. Patient history and physical examination are usually sufficient for the diagnosis of a hernia. If the diagnosis is uncertain, ultrasound examination or herniograms are occasionally employed. Magnetic resonance imaging may be useful in diagnosing abdominal wall hernias in obese patients for whom physical examination is difficult.