To determine the value of herniography (also known as peritoneography) in the detection of groin hernias, herniographs obtained in 70 consecutive patients with clinically suspected hernias (but with a normal or inconclusive physical examination) were retrospectively evaluated. The radiologic features, complications, and final clinical outcome were reviewed. A total of 30 hernias were found. Sixteen patients underwent surgery; there were no false-positive herniographic diagnoses. No procedure-related complications occurred. These results indicate that herniography is a simple and valuable diagnostic tool in patients with unexplained groin pain or pain in the anterior abdominal wall, with an acceptably low complication rate.