Hernia Detection
Although many hernias are fairly obvious, some hernias in women are not easy to diagnose; even in men, certain types of pain can have a number of different
causes. Fortunately, there are many forms of hernia test and examination that board certified general surgeon Dr. Shirin Towfigh can apply to determine the cause of groin pain and other common symptoms of a hernia. As the only practitioner in the Western United States whose work focuses exclusively on hernias in all its dimensions, Dr. Towfigh represents the gold standard in hernia testing and treatment.
Often a simple physical examination is sufficient with Dr. Towfigh, but more elaborate testing may also be necessary to properly diagnose a hernia. Sometimes finding the hernia can be issue. At other times, determining the precise type of hernia may require additional data. Abdominal hernias, for example, come in several different varieties; they can range from an umbilical or epigastric hernia, which are located near the navel, to an obturator hernia, which is based deep in the pelvis.
The truth of the matter is that a correct diagnosis of the problem is the only way to find a method of hernia repair that will actually work for patients. In order to obtain that diagnosis, the skills of a highly qualified medical expert like Dr. Towfigh may be needed.
Detecting a Hernia
As one of the nation’s premier experts in hernias and their treatment, Dr. Towfigh will often spot important clues that might not be so readily visible to non-specialists and less experienced physicians. While most hernias can be diagnosed with an exam of the abdominal and groin area, not every case can be fully explored with just the eyes and hands. Dr. Towfigh is also ready to use a variety of technological tools that can often make the job of detecting a hernia, and determining its exact nature, far easier.
An ultrasound for hernia detection is especially useful in many cases where the hernia may be more internal, or “hidden”, a relatively frequent occurrence with female patients. This non-invasive tool uses sound waves to create a picture of the inside of the body; an ultrasound for hernia examination can give Dr. Towfigh a picture of exactly where the problem is and its exact size.
Since all patients, and all hernias, are somewhat different, sometimes other more sophisticated tools are employed. A computerized tomography or CT scan for hernia flare-ups can be very useful for producing a detailed X-ray image of the abdominal and/or groin area. At the same time, an MRI for hernia detection can be superior in some instances for the complete examination of certain types of tissues, especially in more complex situations or if the ultrasound or CT scan are not diagnostic. An MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) exam may be necessary to provide more detailed data on the soft tissue.
Getting Started on Your Hernia Diagnosis
If you are suffering from abdominal or groin pain or other issues that may be caused by a hernia, do not wait to seek medical treatment. Hernias can be painful and life-altering. While some cases can be controlled without surgery and most can be treated using minimally invasive techniques, untreated hernias may lead to serious complications. Please call to get in touch with Dr. Towfigh and the outstanding staff of the Beverly Hills Hernia Center. You can reach us by phone at 310-358-5020 or visit our contact page for further information.