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

Introduction: The main cause of groin pain is inguinal hernia (IH). The most commonly used imaging test for diagnosis is sonography, which is also useful in distinguishing between indirect and direct hernias. Aim: In this study, measurements were made with sonography 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 methods: The IH cases diagnosed by ultrasound between March 2019 and October 2023 were evaluated retrospectively. According to the diameter of the defect in the supine position, the cases were divided into three groups: Group A (≤1.5 cm), Group B (1.5–3 cm), and Group C (≥3 cm). A total of 252 patients with unilateral IH were identified. Results: For Group A, the mean value was 1.09 ±0.23 (0.64–1.48) cm in the supine position and 1.28 ±0.26 (0.67) cm in the semi- -erect position (p<0.001). For Group B, the mean value was 2.29 ±0.29 (1.57–2.82) cm in the supine position and 2.41 ±0.31 (1.65–2.94) cm in the semi-erect position (p<0.001). For Group C, the mean value was 3.57 ±0.23 (3.28–4.05) cm in the supine position and 3.62 ±0.24 (3.32–4.10) cm in the semi-erect position (p<0.05). Conclusions: Superficial ultrasound, which provides reliable results in the diagnosis of IH, is an easily accessible modality. Unlike previous studies, this study was the first to examine the semi-erect position in IH patients. It showed that it is effective in determining the optimal diameter of the defect.