Diagnosis and reduction of a hernia by bedside ultrasound: a case report

Emergency physicians can utilize bedside ultrasound to aid in the diagnosis of abdominal wall hernias and in the reduction of incarcerated hernias.

To review the sonographic appearance and diagnostic criteria of abdominal wall hernias and to describe the potential use of ultrasound as an aid in hernia reduction.

An emergency physician utilized bedside ultrasound to confirm the diagnosis of an incarcerated ventral abdominal wall hernia and to assist in its successful reduction.

A physician trained in bedside ultrasound can diagnose an abdominal wall hernia and facilitate the appropriate treatment of an incarcerated hernia.