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 repair and the results of sonographic-based volumetry using the standard rotating ellipsoid formula.


METHODS
In 83 patients, subcutaneous fluid retention after Shouldice repair was visualized by ultrasound and calculated as cuboid, cylinder, and rotating ellipsoid, respectively. The results were compared to the aspirated volume. Data were analyzed retrospectively.


RESULTS
The volume obtained by percutaneous punction averaged 12.18 +/- 1.50 ml. The calculated volumes were distinctly less: cuboid, 11.98 +/- 1.59 ml; cylinder, 10.26 +/- 1.45 ml; rotating ellipsoid, 5.99 +/- 0.80 ml. We found different coefficients of regression for the aspirated and the calculated volumes (cuboid; 0.75; cylinder; 0.82; rotating ellipsoid; 1.50). The coefficients of correlation, however, were 0.79 for all modes of calculation.


CONCLUSIONS
Because its results were closest to the aspirated volumes, we recommend the cuboid formula for the ultrasound-based calculation of liquid retention after inguinal hernia repair.
Peiper
C
C
Surgical Clinic, RWTH Aachen, Germany.
Ponschek
N
N
Truong
S
S
Schumpelick
V
V
D004487:Edema / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D006552:Hernia, Inguinal / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014463:Ultrasonography