[Value of the pubic tubercle as a CT reference point in groin hernias]

To assess the value of the pubic tubercle as a CT reference point in diagnosing the different types of groin hernia before surgery in patients presenting with mechanical bowel obstruction.

Retrospective review of CT examinations performed for small bowel obstruction in our department during 2003. Twelve cases of groin hernia causing small bowel obstruction were included. All CT examinations were reviewed by 2 abdominal radiologists. The surgical report of all 12 included cases was reviewed for final diagnosis.

Twelve cases of groin hernia causing small bowel obstruction were reviewed in our department during 2003. Eight cases corresponded to small bowel obstruction caused by inguinal hernia (4 direct and 4 indirect) and 4 to small bowel obstruction caused by femoral hernia. In each case, the diagnosis suggested at CT using the pubic tubercle as a reference point was surgically confirmed.

The pubic tubercle is an excellent reference point at CT for diagnosing inguinal and femoral hernias. Preoperative diagnosis is important because it may change the choice of surgical procedure.