Understanding Groin Pain & Ultrasound Orders: What to Expect

Question
My Dr.ordered an ultrasound of the "RLQ--right lower quadrant of abdomen" because I have mild pain in the groin/genital area and it may be a hernia he can't detect. But is that area usually included in a RLQ ultrasound? His lab order doesn't say pelvic, but RLQ.  Thanks

Answer
Ordering it as a RLQ US is kind of weird.  We will do appendix ultrasounds to look for an appendicitis.  An ultrasound will not detect small hernias... it may give a little bit of information for very large hernias.  So if your doc is simply looking for a hernia, an ultrasound is a poor choice.  

I hope this helps.