Herniogram

Duration of examination

The procedure will take approximately 30 minutes plus your post procedure care.

Please bring with you:

• Your request form
• Medicare and any
• Healthcare cards

Payment on the day of the examination is requested.

What is a Herniogram?

When there is uncertainty regarding the presence or absence of an inguinal hernia, either on clinical examination, ultrasound or other imaging test, your doctor may seek clarification by requesting a herniogram be performed.

Patient preparation

You should not eat of drink anything for two hours prior to appointment.

Please inform us if you are taking any blood-thinning medication such as Aspirin, Warfarin or Clopidogrel. You may need to have a blood-clotting test before the procedure and have your medication adjusted by your doctor.

What will happen during the examination?

You will be asked to change into a gown and lie on an x‑ray table. Fluoroscopic Imaging (x‑ray) is used to guide the insertion of a thin needle into the peritoneal cavity. This is the space that surrounds your bowel and other internal organs. A safe path is planned and the entry site marked. Your skin will be cleansed to create sterile conditions and a local anaesthetic is then injected. It is important that you try to keep as still as possible during the procedure.

A radiologist (specialist medical imaging doctor) will then position a needle within the peritoneal cavity. X‑ray contrast diluted with sterile saline is then injected to outline the peritoneal cavity and in turn any possible hernia.

Both sides of the body will be examined by the single injection. It is not unusual for the needle position to be adjusted slightly to ensure the contrast can be injected into the best location. Once the injection is completed, the needle is removed and x‑rays are then taken.

Please note that you might proceed to a CT scan for further imaging.

Are there any risks?

You will receive a small dose of x‑ray radiation.

Allergy to the contrast is rare. You must inform us if you have had a previous allergy to x‑ray contrast.

Minor internal bleeding can occur, but this usually does not require treatment. On rare occasions, bleeding may be more pronounced, requiring admission to hospital for active treatment.

Other risks such as injury to organs are very low. We take every precaution to ensure your procedure is safe and sterile. There is a very low risk of infection (peritonitis). This will usually manifest itself over 12 – 24 hours as pain, fever and abdominal tenderness — you must seek medical attention if this was to occur (eg your referring doctor, emergency department)

After the examination

You will need to stay in our department for about 30 minutes (occasionally longer) after the procedure for observation.

You will need someone to drive you home.

You may experience some soreness at the injection site for which you may take paracetamol (not aspirin).

You should not exert yourself physically for one full day following your procedure. On the second day, if you feel up to it, you may return to your normal activities.

For details on reporting timeframes, please speak with our reception staff.

It is important you understand why and how we will be assisting you. If you have any questions, please call one of our clinics or speak to our staff on the day of your visit.