We reviewed 333 consecutive herniographic studies in 306 patients for
whom clinical data were available. Symptoms with either a negative or
inconclusive physical examination (PE) were the most frequent reasons
for requesting a herniogram. The herniogram was found to be more sensi
tive for the diagnosis of hernia, particularly inguinal, than PE. In 5
6 of 57 patients who came to operation the herniogram and the PE were
concordant. In one patient, an incisional hernia was found at operatio
n that had not been appreciated as such on the herniogram, We believe
herniography should be used more frequently when the diagnosis of hern
ia is uncertain on PE, thereby reducing the incidence of unnecessary o
perative procedures.