Found conflicting info, could u verify...an ultrasound can/can't detect small abdominal wall hernias. or can only a ct or mri detect the small ones?

Sometimes: An ultrasound can detect small hernias in some patients, but it is not a perfect test. Further, the ultrasound needs to be done with the patient at rest, and straining their abdominal wall. Ct or MRI may also be used, but have the same limitations. Lastly, surgical exploration may be the only way to detect a hernia, but is general only used in patients with disabling pain and no diagnosis.

Hernia: All of the above can detect a hernia, but they can also miss a hernia. So, these studies can help, but just because they don't detect a hernia doesn't mean you don't have one. I have operated on many people who had negative ct/mri/ultrasound and found hernias at the time of surgery.