A hernia diagnosis can be made through a physical exam, listening for changes in the body, CT or MRI scans, or a diagnostic laparoscopy. Treatment varies based on factors such as location and size of the hernia. It is important to seek medical attention immediately if a hernia is suspected.
Hernias can be painful and have a big impact on your quality of life. For this reason, it is imperative to see a doctor immediately when you suspect that a hernia may be present in the abdomen or groin area. Your doctor will use several methods to determine if a hernia diagnosis is necessary, and then proceed with effective treatment. Here are some examples of what your doctor might do to arrive at this type of diagnosis.
In many cases it is possible to arrive at a diagnosis of hernia on the basis of a simple but thorough physical examination. Depending on the size and type of bump, your doctor may be able to diagnose your condition by simply pressing lightly on the affected area. If the patient has symptoms commonly identified with a hernia, this will help reinforce the possibility that a hernia is present. Your doctor may also use a stethoscope to listen for subtle changes in your body as you cough.
However, not all hernias provide a large amount of data that can be identified in a simple examination. When this is the case, your doctor will need to use other methods to determine if a hernia diagnosis is in order. These may include ordering a computed tomography or CT scan to identify the presence of any abnormalities. In other cases, the doctor may order an MRI or MRI scan, especially if it is suspected that the hernia is mostly embedded in the abdominal wall and has not yet begun to protrude.
Along with these tests, there is also another test that your doctor may consider necessary before establishing a hernia diagnosis. Known as a diagnostic laparoscopy, this is a mildly invasive procedure that is performed under general anesthesia. An endoscope is placed directly into the abdominal cavity, allowing the doctor to examine the abdominal walls in great detail. Typically, this procedure is used only if other methods of evaluating whether a hernia is present are inconclusive.
Once the doctor has diagnosed the presence of a hernia, the proper treatment can begin. The actual treatment process will vary based on a number of factors, including the age, location and size of the hernia, and the degree of discomfort the patient is currently experiencing. However, it is impractical to start any course of treatment before there is a verified hernia diagnosis.
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