An abdominal hernia occurs when an organ or fatty tissue protrudes through a weak spot in the abdominal wall, often visible as a bulge. Common types include umbilical, inguinal, and incisional hernias, which can cause pain and discomfort. Ultrasound is a valuable diagnostic tool for assessing abdominal hernias, allowing clinicians to visualize the defect, identify the contents of the hernia sac (e.g., bowel, omentum), and evaluate for complications like incarceration or strangulation.
Ultrasound’s real-time capabilities enable dynamic assessment of hernias during maneuvers like Valsalva, enhancing diagnostic accuracy. Its non-invasive nature and lack of ionizing radiation make it a preferred imaging modality, especially for initial diagnosis, monitoring, and differentiating hernias from other abdominal wall masses.