A method for demonstrating subclinical inguinal herniae in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis: the isotope 'peritoneoscrotogram'.

We report six patients who presented with genital oedema associated with continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) who had no clinically detectable inguinal hernia at the time of initial presentation. In the absence of conventional clinical signs of an inguinal hernia, isotope imaging of the pelviscrotal region after introducing technetium-labelled tin colloid through the dialysis tube has proved to be an accurate guide to localisation of the hernia, has avoided unnecessary bilateral explorations, and has facilitated early repair of the hernia, thus allowing reinstitution of CAPD.