Scrotal sonography: a valuable tool in the evaluation of complications following inguinal hernia repair.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine the utility of scrotal sonography in the evaluation of patients with scrotal pain or swelling following inguinal hernia repair.

METHODS

From our database, we identified patients who were referred for sonographic evaluation because of persistent scrotal pain or swelling after inguinal hernia repair between July 1994 and February 1996. Sonograms and medical charts were reviewed retrospectively.

RESULTS

Eight patients were included in this study. Doppler sonography demonstrated evidence of testicular infarction in 2 patients and absence of intratesticular diastolic flow in 1 patient. Five patients had postoperative fluid collections with sonographically normal testes.

CONCLUSIONS

Scrotal sonography can diagnose testicular infarction following hernia repair and distinguish postoperative fluid collections from recurrent hernias.