Diagnosis and reduction of a hernia by bedside ultrasound: a case report.

BACKGROUND Emergency physicians can utilize bedside ultrasound to aid in the diagnosis of abdominal wall hernias and in the reduction of incarcerated hernias. OBJECTIVES To review the sonographic appearance and diagnostic criteria of abdominal wall hernias and to describe the potential use of ultrasound as an aid in hernia reduction. CASE REPORT An emergency physician utilized bedside ultrasound to confirm the diagnosis of an incarcerated ventral abdominal wall hernia and to assist in its successful reduction. CONCLUSIONS A physician trained in bedside ultrasound can diagnose an abdominal wall hernia and facilitate the appropriate treatment of an incarcerated hernia.