Diagnostic impact of using the semi-erect position in the evaluation of inguinal hernia with superficial ultrasonography

Abstract

Introduction: The main cause of groin pain is inguinal hernia (IH). The most commonly used imaging for diagnosis is ultrasonography (USG), and which is also useful in distinguishing between indirect-direct hernia. Aim: In this study, measurements were made with USG in the semi-erect position (45) in addition to the supine position, and the effectiveness of this position in detecting the defect was investigated.Material and Method: The cases diagnosed with IH by USG between March 2019 and October 2023 were evaluated retrospectively. According to the defect diameter, the cases were divided into three groups: group a (≤1.5 cm), group b (1.5-3 cm) and group c (≥3 cm) in the supine position. 252 patients with unilateral IH were identified.Results: For group a the mean value was 1.090.23(0.64-1.48) cm in the supine and 1.280.26(0.88-1.67) cm in the semi-erect (p<0.001). For group b, the mean value was 2.290.29(1.57-2.82) cm in the supine and 2.410.31(1.65-2.94) cm in the semi-erect (p<0.001). For Group c, the mean value was 3.570.23(3.28-4.05) cm in the supine and 3.620.24(3.32-4.10) cm in the semi-erect (p<0.05).Conclusion: USG, which provides reliable findings in the diagnosis of IH, is an easily accessible modality. Unlike previous studies, in this study, the semi-erect position was used for the first time in IH cases and was shown to be effective in determining the optimum diameter of the defect.