I had a CAT scan it showed no hernia. Could I have a hernia or diastasis recti and it not show on the cat scan?

It may have missed a small hernia or diastasis.Kenneth Hughes, MDLos Angeles, CA....................

tests such as CT scans  are simply an adjunt to a clinical exam by your surgeon.  if your surgeon feels a defect on physical exam, it is probably there, just not seen on ct scan.A diastasis recti is not always obvious on ct scans.good luck

If you have a small hernia or diastasis recti and the CAT scans were done for other reasons(trauma), the interpretation of the scan may not report it.  Many of this small defect may be ignored by the report. This is why is important to look at the scan or talk to the radiologist. On the other hand, small but clinically significant hernias/diastasis may be diagnosed on physical examination. Best, Dr. RG

A CT scan may not show a small hernia because you are lying on your back when you perform the study.  Thus a small defect may not be seen.  A physical exam my detect a small hernia not seen on CT scan.

Yes, you could have a hernia or rectus diastasis that did not show up on your CT scan. Often times during a tummy tuck a small hernia and a rectus diastasis is identified which is typically repaired during the tummy tuck. Consult with a plastic surgeon for a thorough examination of your anatomy and to determine if you are a tummy tuck candidate.Best wishes,Dr.Bruno

a hernia is an actual defect in the muscles surrounding the abdominal cavity, through which contents can protrude and get stuck, creating the need for an operation.  If the hernia is reduced (i.e. tissue is not bulging through the opening), it may not be seen on CAT scan.  A diastasis is a separation of the muscles in the midline of the abdomen due to pregnancy or massive weight gain.  This separation of the muscles can frequently be seen on CAT scan.  Unlike a hernia, a diastasis does not require an operation but can be fixed as part of an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) in order to tighten the muscular foundation of the abdominal wall and give a flatter overall appearance.  The correction of hernias is usually considered medically necessary and covered by insurance.  The correction of a diastasis is not considered medically necessary and therefore not covered by insurance

Uncomplicated hernia and diastasis are diagnosed by clinical exam. They can be missed by CAT scan. Best is to seek a consultation in person from a surgeon in your city for proper evaluation and advice.