Dr Harsh Shah
MS, MCh (Surgical Gastroenterology), DrNB (Surgical Gastroenterology)
Registered with Gujarat Medical Council, Reg. No. G-38738
Hernia Surgeon · Dr. Jivraj Mehta Hospital, Vasna, Ahmedabad
In short
- Most hernias are found by a short examination. The doctor looks and feels the area while you stand, lie down and cough.
- Both sides of the groin are checked, because a hernia can be present on the other side without you noticing it.
- A scan is not always needed. It helps when the examination is unclear, the hernia is very small, or a past operation complicates things.
Many people put off a hernia check because they do not know what will happen in the room. The examination is short and simple.
This page explains each step, so you know what to expect.
It starts with questions
The doctor asks when you first saw the lump, whether it hurts, and whether it goes away when you lie down. You will also be asked about your work, cough, bowel habit and past operations.
These answers often point to the type of hernia before the examination begins.
Standing, lying and the cough test
A hernia is easiest to see when you stand. The doctor looks at the area and gently feels it, then asks you to cough.
A cough pushes on the belly wall, so a hernia bulges out. You are then asked to lie down, to see whether the lump goes back in.
What happens during a hernia examination
What happens during a hernia examination
| Step | What the doctor does | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Talking first | Asks about the lump, pain, work and past operations | Points to the likely type of hernia |
| Standing | Looks at the groin or belly and feels the area | A hernia shows most when you stand |
| Cough test | Feels for a bulge pushing out as you cough | Confirms a weak spot |
| Lying down | Checks whether the lump goes back in | Shows if the hernia is reducible |
| Other side | Checks the opposite groin | A second hernia is common |
| Scan, if needed | Asks for an ultrasound or CT scan | Only when the examination is unclear |
Noticed a lump or a bulge when you cough? A short examination is usually enough to tell whether it is a hernia.
Privacy and comfort
Only the part being checked is uncovered, and only for a short time. In men, the scrotum may also be checked, because some hernias reach down into it.
You can ask for a chaperone at any time. Women can ask for a female staff member to be present.
When a scan is added
For most groin and belly button hernias, the examination is enough to plan treatment. A scan helps when the lump cannot be felt, when there is pain but no bulge, or when an old scar makes the wall hard to judge.
Bring any earlier scan reports with you. They can save a repeat test.
Frequently asked questions
Why does the doctor ask me to cough?
A cough pushes on the belly wall. If there is a hernia, the doctor feels or sees a bulge push out at the weak spot.
Do I have to undress for a hernia check?
The area must be uncovered for a short time. Only the part being checked is uncovered, and you can ask for a chaperone.
Can a hernia be missed on examination?
A very small hernia, or one in a person with a heavy belly, can be hard to feel. Then an ultrasound or CT scan helps.
Does the examination hurt?
It should not. You may feel some pressure. Tell the doctor if an area is tender, and they will be gentle there.
Do women have the same examination?
Yes, the steps are the same. A female staff member can be present, and you can ask for one at any time.
Related pages
The main page on this site is hernia surgery in Ahmedabad. These cover the neighbouring questions.
Where to find us
Dr Harsh Shah, MS, MCh (Surgical Gastroenterology), DrNB (Surgical Gastroenterology)
Dr. Jivraj Mehta Hospital, Vasna, Ahmedabad
Bring your reports. Second opinions are welcome.