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“Occult” inguinal hernias
I have a mass on my left groin that is only easily palpated/visible laying down.
Occasionally there will be no mass palpable. It can get to be about the size of a golf ball, and can be quite long at times (inches). Sometimes it will feel harder than other times. Other times can be very small or basically gone
There is also a non visible small (small grape sized) lump on the right groin.
Both are non existent upon standing. I am a thin/athletic build.
Both appear in the inguinal area. Both higher than the pubic region.
I have had pain on/off in both groins for years. But not until recently noticed any lumps.
I have gone to a physician who could not find any hernias and said it’s probably my muscles or something else (it isn’t).
I get an ache and sometimes a burning sensation on either side. I have had a burning zipper sensation a couple of times on my right side. Occasionally part of the groin will have an area that is tender to touch.
95% of the time I have little to no symptoms. I am fairly active but have cut back on things like heavy lifting etc
My question is: what is the best approach to finding hard to find hernias? I want to find a physician who will work with me to find out what is going on
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3 Replies
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Inguinal hernias should be ordered as “hernia ultrasound” or “dynamic hernia ultrasound.”
Occult hernias are among my surgical interests. Yes, I evaluate for an treat many and I have published our experience about imaging and occult hernias.
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@drtowfigh thank you so much for your prompt reply. Is there a specific protocol for ultrasound that needs to be requested?
After using the the search feature, I found this thread[0] which describes a protocol used for MRI of occult hernias. Unfortunately the image you posted back then (of the protocol) is blurry. Is there anywhere else I can view the MRI protocol?
Lastly, do you/does your practice deal with many occult hernia patients?
MRI – Protocol in radiology language for putting codes into the MRI machine
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– careful examination by a hernia specialist
– Ultrasound
– MRI
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