Please verify your email address to receive email notifications.

Enter your email address

We have sent you a verification email. Please check your inbox and spam folder.

Unable to send verification, please refresh and try again later.

  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    How is a hernia diagnosed?

  • Find a professional to answer your question

  • 3

    Thanks

    Dr Kenneth Wong

    Bariatric (Obesity) Surgeon, General Surgeon, Laparoscopic Surgeon

    Dr Ken Wong is a very experienced specialist surgeon focussing on keyhole surgery techniques for gallstones, bowel cancer, hernia and weight loss surgery. He graduated … View Profile

    A hernia is usually diagnosed when the patient notices a lump appear somewhere in his body. Common sites include the belly button or the groin.

    This is because a hernia refers to a break in the lining of a body cavity and some contents of the cavity such as fat or bowel protrudes through. 

    This lump which may stay protruding or may be reducible is usually confirmed by a doctor and surgeon, hence confirming the diagnosis.

    Ultrasounds are not reliable for diagnosis of herniae generally. CT scans may pick up a hernia in unusual spots such as hiatus hernia - hernia of stomach in to chest or obturator hernia - hernia involving the hip bones.

    In any event, in case of suspicion of a hernia, please consult a surgeon in the first instance.

    Dr Ken Wong

    http://www.centralcoastsurgery.com.au

answer this question

You must be a Health Professional to answer this question. Log in or Sign up .

You may also like these related questions

Empowering Australians to make better health choices