Ultrasound-based volumetric evaluation of fluid retention after inguinal hernia repair

Background: Daily routine has shown that there are differences between the aspirated volumes of subcutaneous liquid retention after inguinal hernia re pair and the results of sonographic-based volumetry using the standard rota ting ellipsoid formula. Methods: In 83 patients, subcutaneous fluid retention after Shouldice repai r was visualized by ultrasound and calculated as cuboid, cylinder, and rota ting ellipsoid, respectively. The results were compared to the aspirated vo lume. Data were analyzed retrospectively. Results: The volume obtained by percutaneous punction averaged 12.18 +/- 1. 50 mi. The calculated volumes were distinctly less: cuboid, 11.98 +/- 1.59 ml;cylinder, 10.26 +/- 1.45 mi; rotating ellipsoid, 5.99 +/- 0.80 mi. We fo und different coefficients of regression for the aspirated and the calculat ed volumes (cuboid, 0.75; cylinder; 0.82; rotating ellipsoid; 1.50). The co efficients of correlation, however, were 0.79 for all modes of calculation. Conclusion: Because its results were closest to the aspirated volumes, we r ecommend the cuboid formula for the ultrasound-based calculation of liquid retention after inguinal hernia repair.