Illustrated review of new imaging techniques in the diagnosis of abdominalwall hernias

Background: The assessment of abdominal wall hernias has long been a clinic al skill that only occasionally required the supplementary radiological ass istance of herniography. However, with the advent of cross-sectional imagin g, a new range of diagnostic tools is now available to help the clinician i n difficult cases. Methods: This review explores the ability of computed tomography and magnet ic resonance imaging to demonstrate many of the hernias encountered in the anterior abdominal wall. Also discussed is the role of imaging techniques i n the management of a variety of hernias. Results and conclusion: Cross-sectional imaging techniques are being employ ed with increasing frequency for the assessment of hernias. Although the an atomical detail can usually be delineated dearly, the accuracy of the vario us methods and their place in the clinical management of hernias has yet to be fully determined.