The list of medical tests mentioned in various sources as used in the diagnosis of Inguinal hernia includes:
The doctor diagnoses hernia by doing a physical exam and by taking x rays and blood tests to check for blockage in the intestine. (Source: excerpt from Inguinal Hernia: NIDDK)
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In a patient with a large hernia, physical examination reveals an obvious swelling or lump in the inguinal area. In the patient with a small hernia, the affected area may simply appear full. Palpation of the inguinal area while the patient is performing Valsalva’s maneuver confirms the diagnosis. To detect a hernia in a male patient, the patient is asked to stand with his ipsilateral leg slightly flexed and his weight resting on the other leg. The examiner inserts an index finger into the lower part of the scrotum and invaginates the scrotal skin so the finger advances through the external inguinal ring to the internal ring (about 1 ½" to 2" [4 cm to 5 cm] through the inguinal canal). The patient is then told to cough. If the examiner feels pressure against the fingertip, an indirect hernia exists; if pressure is felt against the side of the finger, a direct hernia exists.
A patient history of sharp or “catching” pain when lifting or straining may help confirm the diagnosis. Suspected bowel obstruction requires X-rays and a white blood cell count (may be elevated).
Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005
In a patient with a large hernia, physical examination reveals an obvious swelling or lump in the inguinal area. In a patient with a small hernia, the affected area may simply appear full. Palpation of the inguinal area while the patient is performing Valsalva’s maneuver confirms the diagnosis.
To detect a hernia in a male patient, the patient is asked to stand with his ipsilateral leg slightly flexed and his weight resting on the other leg. The examiner inserts an index finger into the lower part of the scrotum and invaginates the scrotal skin so the finger advances through the external inguinal ring to the internal ring (1 ½" to 2" [4 to 5 cm] through the inguinal canal). The patient is then told to cough. If the examiner feels pressure against the fingertip, an indirect hernia exists; if pressure is felt against the side of the finger, a direct hernia exists.
A patient history of sharp or “catching” pain when lifting or straining may help confirm the diagnosis. A suspected bowel obstruction requires X-rays and a white blood cell count (which may be elevated).
gender iNFLUENCE Many symptomatic inguinal hernias go undiagnosed in women because they’re nonpalpable. Obesity, a family history, and obstipation are risk factors.
Source: Handbook of Diseases, 2003
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