Ultrasound examination of abdominal wall hernia, umbilical hernia, inguinal hernia, or diastasis recti

Hernias can cause purely cosmetic issues, but often they also lead to symptoms. If symptoms are present, surgical treatment may be considered, though in many cases other solutions are possible. It is necessary to determine whether a hernia is indeed causing the problem, where the hernia is located, and what it contains (fat tissue? intestinal loop? other organs? — e.g., rarely appendix or ovary), the size of the hernia opening, and whether there is any incarceration or inflammation.

How to prepare for the examination?