How to Test for a Hernia

A hernia is not always as obvious as one might think. An internal hernia may require the doctor to feel the area while the patient is asked to cough or stand. In the case of a hiatal hernia, an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy is performed for diagnosis. If the hernia is obvious, there is no need to test the site.

Instructions

Identify the Hernia

• 1

  Realize a hiatal hernia is often suspected when a patient complains of frequent heartburn and chest pain.

• 2

  Understand there are two ways to test for a hiatal hernia. A barium x-ray requires drinking a chalky liquid containing barium and taking x-rays to identify the outline of the esophagus and stomach. An endoscopy is a test that consists of passing a flexible tube with a fiber-optic light down the esophagus.

• 3

  Realize an inguinal hernia is most common in the intestine. This protrusion through the lower abdominal wall can be very painful. The only test that is usually required is a physical exam that includes coughing or straining to make the hernia more prominent.

• 4

  Tell your pediatrician if you notice your baby's bellybutton protruding when she cries. This may indicate the presence of an umbilical hernia. Imaging studies may be a required test to rule out complications. Umbilical hernias are also found in adults.

• 5

  Understand it may be necessary for a surgeon to do a laparoscopic exam when symptoms suggest a hernia, but no test is available to confirm the diagnosis. This is a possibility when there's a need to differentiate between pain from internal adhesions from a prior surgery and incisional hernia pain.

• 6

  Expect your primary care doctor to order blood tests in the case of suspected blockage by a hernia in the intestine. Infection can set in rapidly when the hernia results in a strangulated colon.

Consent to Treatment

• 7

  Check with your doctor about any other test that may confirm or rule out a hernia before consenting to surgery. A hernia surgery can usually be scheduled as an elective procedure.

• 8

  Talk to your doctor about risks and recovery from hernia surgery before signing a consent. In some patients, the surgery is more of a risk than the hernia. Only your doctor can make that determination.