open access
Diagnostic pitfalls of ventral hernias
open access
Abstract
Material and methods: From January 2001 to May 2004, 284 abdominal hernia repairs were performed at the Dept. of General and Endocrine Surgery of the University Hospital in Bydgoszcz. 187 of the above number were large hernias.
Results: In 7 patients the initial diagnosis of abdominal wall hernia was not confirmed intraoperatively. In those cases, the abdominal wall tumors were caused by: malignant infiltration, subcutaneous lipoma, haematoma in the right rectus muscle sheath, inguinal hernia, a giant seroma and free fragment of fractured rib. Diagnosis was stated on the base of the anamnesis and physical examination which was supported in two cases with ultrasonography of abdomen. Despite of this we were not be able to avoid misdiagnosis.
Conclusions: On the base of own experience and current literature the authors stated that the diagnosis of an abdominal hernia, if not certain, especially in obese patients, should be confirmed by modern imaging modalities (US, CT, MRI).
Abstract
Material and methods: From January 2001 to May 2004, 284 abdominal hernia repairs were performed at the Dept. of General and Endocrine Surgery of the University Hospital in Bydgoszcz. 187 of the above number were large hernias.
Results: In 7 patients the initial diagnosis of abdominal wall hernia was not confirmed intraoperatively. In those cases, the abdominal wall tumors were caused by: malignant infiltration, subcutaneous lipoma, haematoma in the right rectus muscle sheath, inguinal hernia, a giant seroma and free fragment of fractured rib. Diagnosis was stated on the base of the anamnesis and physical examination which was supported in two cases with ultrasonography of abdomen. Despite of this we were not be able to avoid misdiagnosis.
Conclusions: On the base of own experience and current literature the authors stated that the diagnosis of an abdominal hernia, if not certain, especially in obese patients, should be confirmed by modern imaging modalities (US, CT, MRI).
Keywords
ventral hernia; diagnosis errors; imaging modalities


Title
Diagnostic pitfalls of ventral hernias
Journal
Chirurgia Polska (Polish Surgery)
Issue
Pages
113-119
Published online
2005-09-06
Bibliographic record
Chirurgia Polska 2005;7(2):113-119.
Keywords
ventral hernia
diagnosis errors
imaging modalities
Authors
Wojciech Szczęsny
Piotr Cisowski
Stanisław Dąbrowiecki