Final answer:
The appropriate technique to detect an inguinal hernia is ultrasonography, which uses sound waves to create images of soft tissue structures and is safe and non-invasive.
Step-by-step explanation:
The appropriate technique to detect an inguinal hernia is ultrasonography. Ultrasonography is a non-invasive imaging method that uses high-frequency sound waves to generate an echo signal which, through computer conversion, produces real-time images of the body's anatomy and physiology.
Ultrasonography is particularly suitable for diagnosing conditions like inguinal hernias because it can visualize soft tissues which may not be as effectively depicted using other techniques like X-rays. Additionally, it is not associated with ionizing radiation, making it a safer choice for patients. The main disadvantages of ultrasonography are that it is operator-dependent and may be obstructed by bone or intestinal gas, which could potentially hide a hernia if it is not maneuvered around properly. However, with expert handling, ultrasonography stands as the least invasive and highly effective tool for the detection of an inguinal hernia.