THE UTILITY OF ULTRASONOGRAPHY IN THE EVALUATION OF GROIN MASSES - A CASE-REPORT

Surgeons are often faced with the evaluation and management of groin m asses. In most cases, an accurate history and physical examination wil l establish a diagnosis. Ultrasonography is being increasingly used in the evaluation of surgical problems. A case is presented in which bed side ultrasound was utilized in the evaluation of a large, symptomatic left inguinal mass found to be a synovial cyst on exploration. The di fferential diagnosis of cystic groin lesions and the impact of ultraso nography on diagnosis is reviewed with emphasis on synovial cysts. Sur geon-directed ultrasonography is an asset in the diagnosis of some pat ients with groin masses and may assist in the identification of those lesions requiring prompt operative intervention.