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Is herniography an effective and safe investigation?
R D Brierly1, P C Hale, N L Bishop
1Department of Surgery, Royal Sussex County Hospital, Brighton, U.K.
Aim:
To assess the safety and effectiveness of herniography in adult patients with suspected hernia.
Method:
The records of all patients undergoing herniography within one unit over a 1 year period were studied retrospectively. A follow-up postal questionnaire was sent out to all patients enquiring about outcome and any complications of herniography.
Results:
From a total of 64 patients undergoing a herniogram, 36% were found to have a positive result and 64% a negative result. This study showed a sensitivity rate of 0.94 and a specificity rate of 0.95. There was a 5% major complication rate leading to hospital admission, and 42% of patients described minor complications occurring within 24 hours of herniography.
Conclusion:
Herniography is a useful diagnostic tool for identification of clinically occult hernias, with good rates of sensitivity and specificity. In most cases it is a safe investigation but it is not without a significant complication rate.