Focused dynamic ultrasound • London & St Albans
Private groin ultrasound scan
A targeted ultrasound assessment for a groin lump, swelling or focal pain, including dynamic evaluation for an inguinal or femoral hernia and review of visible lymph nodes and superficial soft tissues.
- No GP referral required
- Dynamic cough and strain assessment
- Clear written report
About the examination
What is a groin ultrasound?
A groin ultrasound is a focused examination of the inguinal and femoral regions. It is commonly used when there is a localised lump, swelling, tenderness or concern about a hernia. High-frequency ultrasound provides real-time views of superficial tissues and allows the practitioner to observe how the area changes during coughing, straining, movement or a change in position.
The scan can also assess visible inguinal lymph nodes, superficial soft-tissue abnormalities and selected post-operative findings. The examination is tailored to the exact site of symptoms and may include comparison with the opposite side.
Clinical scope
What the scan may assess
The practitioner focuses on the symptomatic area and documents relevant dynamic and structural findings.
Inguinal hernia
Dynamic evaluation of the inguinal canal for direct or indirect herniation, including visible fat or bowel movement during cough or strain.
Femoral hernia
Assessment below the inguinal ligament for a femoral-region hernia, with attention to its relationship to the femoral vessels.
Hernia characteristics
Where a hernia is demonstrated, the report may record its side, position, neck size, contents and whether it is reducible.
Inguinal lymph nodes
Review of visible lymph-node size, shape, cortex, fatty hilum and vascular pattern where clinically indicated.
Soft-tissue lumps
Characterisation of a focal superficial lump or swelling, including visible cystic, fatty, inflammatory or solid features.
Post-operative region
Targeted assessment of a symptomatic surgical site for a recurrent hernia, fluid collection or other visible local abnormality.
dynamic
assessment
When it may help
Common reasons to book
- A groin lump that appears when standing, coughing, lifting or exercising
- Suspected inguinal or femoral hernia
- Localised swelling, focal tenderness or an unexplained palpable abnormality
- An enlarged or persistent lymph node in the groin
- Symptoms following previous groin or hernia surgery
- Clinical uncertainty about whether a lump is a hernia or another superficial lesion
Seek urgent medical care for a painful lump that cannot be pushed back, rapidly increasing swelling, vomiting, abdominal distension, fever, skin redness or colour change, collapse, or sudden severe testicular pain.
Before you arrive
How to prepare
No routine fasting
You can usually eat, drink and take normal medication. Follow any different instructions provided in your booking confirmation.
Wear loose clothing
Choose clothing that allows easy access to the lower abdomen, groin crease and upper thigh while maintaining privacy and dignity.
Identify the exact area
Be ready to show where the lump or pain occurs and explain whether it changes with standing, coughing, exercise or lifting.
Bring useful records
Bring previous ultrasound, CT or MRI reports and details of any groin, abdominal, vascular or hernia surgery.
Your appointment
What happens during the scan?
- 1
Focused clinical discussion
The practitioner confirms the side, exact location, pattern of symptoms, previous surgery and factors that make the lump or pain appear.
- 2
Ultrasound assessment
Gel and a high-frequency probe are applied over the groin. The symptomatic site and relevant surrounding tissues are examined, often with comparison to the opposite side.
- 3
Dynamic manoeuvres
You may be asked to cough, strain, raise your head or stand so that an intermittent hernia or movement of tissue can be assessed in real time.
- 4
Findings and recommendations
The main observations are explained, followed by a written report. Depending on the findings, GP, general-surgical, vascular, urology, musculoskeletal or further imaging review may be advised.
Choosing the right examination
Groin scan or another service?
Different symptom patterns require different ultrasound protocols.
Focused groin ultrasound
Best suited to: a localised groin lump, suspected inguinal or femoral hernia, superficial swelling, inguinal lymph node or post-operative groin concern.
Dedicated hernia ultrasound
Best suited to: evaluation of a suspected abdominal-wall, umbilical, incisional, epigastric or other hernia site beyond the groin.
Testicular ultrasound
Best suited to: testicular or scrotal pain, a scrotal lump, swelling, hydrocele, varicocele or an acute testicular concern.
Vascular Doppler
Best suited to: suspected DVT, leg swelling, arterial symptoms, abnormal pulses, venous reflux or a vascular lump requiring a full Doppler protocol.
MSK hip or tendon assessment
Best suited to: pain linked to movement, sport, adductor or tendon injury, hip pathology or a suspected musculoskeletal cause without a palpable groin lump.
Urgent abdominal assessment
Best suited to: acute right lower abdominal pain, fever, vomiting or suspected appendicitis, which should not be managed as a routine isolated groin scan.
PrivateSono
Focused imaging with clear next steps
Book a self-referral appointment in Central London or St Albans for a targeted groin assessment in a confidential clinical setting.
View booking optionsExperienced practitioners
Examinations performed by appropriately trained ultrasound professionals.
Dynamic technique
Real-time assessment using position change, cough and Valsalva when appropriate.
Clear reporting
Relevant measurements, findings, limitations and recommendations documented.
Self-referral access
No GP referral is required, although clinical follow-up may be recommended.
Clinic locations
Private groin ultrasound near you
Good to know
Groin ultrasound FAQs
Answers to common questions about the scan, preparation and limitations.
Still unsure? Call 020 7101 3377What does a groin ultrasound assess?
A focused groin ultrasound can assess the inguinal and femoral regions for a suspected hernia, enlarged or abnormal lymph nodes, focal soft-tissue lumps, fluid collections and other visible superficial abnormalities. The exact scope is tailored to the symptoms and area of concern.
Can the scan identify an inguinal or femoral hernia?
Ultrasound can dynamically assess the groin for an inguinal or femoral hernia. When a hernia is demonstrated, the report may describe its location, neck size, contents and whether it reduces during the examination.
Will I be asked to cough or strain?
Yes. Dynamic manoeuvres such as coughing or a Valsalva strain may make a small hernia more visible. The practitioner may scan you lying down and, when helpful and safe, standing.
Does a normal ultrasound completely exclude a hernia?
No examination is perfect. A small or intermittent hernia may not be visible at the appointment, particularly if it does not reproduce during dynamic manoeuvres. Persistent symptoms may require clinical or surgical review and, in selected cases, MRI or another investigation.
Can the scan assess lymph nodes in the groin?
Yes. Visible inguinal lymph nodes can be assessed for size, shape, internal appearance and vascular pattern when clinically indicated. Ultrasound findings must be interpreted alongside symptoms, examination and medical history.
Can it assess a lump that is not a hernia?
Yes. A focused scan may help characterise a superficial lump, such as a cyst, lipoma, lymph node, fluid collection or another soft-tissue abnormality. Some findings require specialist review, MRI, biopsy or interval follow-up.
Does this scan check the femoral artery and vein?
The femoral vessels may be seen as anatomical landmarks and can be reviewed where relevant. A full DVT assessment, venous reflux study or arterial Doppler examination is a separate vascular service and is not automatically included in a standard groin scan.
Does a groin scan diagnose appendicitis?
A dedicated groin scan is not an appendix examination. Right lower abdominal pain, fever, nausea, vomiting or suspected appendicitis requires urgent clinical assessment and may need a dedicated abdominal or appendix ultrasound, CT or emergency evaluation.
Does the scan include the testicles?
Not routinely. Testicular pain, swelling or a scrotal lump requires a dedicated testicular ultrasound. Tell the clinic before the appointment when symptoms extend into the scrotum so the correct service can be arranged.
Do I need to prepare for the scan?
There is usually no fasting or full-bladder preparation for a focused groin ultrasound. Wear loose clothing and bring previous imaging or surgical information. Follow any specific instructions in your booking confirmation.
How long does the appointment take?
The scan commonly takes around 20 to 30 minutes, although it may take longer when both groins are examined, symptoms are intermittent or additional dynamic views are required.
Is the examination painful or harmful?
Ultrasound is non-invasive and does not use ionising radiation. Gentle probe pressure and dynamic manoeuvres may cause temporary discomfort if the area is tender, but the practitioner will work within your tolerance.
Do I need a GP referral?
No. PrivateSono accepts self-referrals. Please provide the exact side and location of symptoms, when the lump or pain appears, previous surgery and any relevant medical history.
When is urgent medical assessment needed?
Seek urgent medical help for a painful lump that does not reduce, rapidly increasing swelling, vomiting, abdominal distension, fever, overlying redness or colour change, severe testicular pain, collapse or rapidly worsening symptoms.
When will I receive my report?
The practitioner can usually explain the main observations at the appointment. A written report and relevant images are provided according to the clinic’s reporting process, with recommendations for GP, surgical or specialist review where appropriate.
Online booking
Book your groin ultrasound scan
Select the location and appointment that suits you. The service group below is linked to the PrivateSono booking system.
Appointments in London & St Albans
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Use the booking section to choose an appointment, or call the clinic for assistance.