Hernia Ultrasound Scan

What is a hernia ultrasound?

Hernia ultrasound is a targeted, real-time examination of the abdominal wall and groin using high-frequency sound waves. It helps detect defects in the fascia and protrusion of fat, omentum, bowel or other viscera through these defects. Because ultrasound is dynamic, we can scan you while you cough, strain or stand to reproduce a lump that disappears at rest. This makes ultrasound particularly useful for intermittent or small hernias that are not obvious on physical examination.

Common referral terms include: “scan for hernia,” “ultrasound for inguinal hernia,” “umbilical hernia ultrasound,” “abdominal wall hernia ultrasound,” and “male groin ultrasound.”

When should you consider a hernia scan?

Typical reasons for booking a private hernia scan include:

• Groin lump or bulge that appears on standing, coughing or lifting and may reduce when lying down.
• Discomfort or pain in the groin, lower abdomen, umbilicus, or prior surgical scar—especially with activity.
• Unclear findings on physical examination; e.g., pain without a definite lump.
• Post-operative swelling or to evaluate a suspected incisional hernia.
• Pre-surgical planning to map the size and neck of the defect.

Urgent assessment is recommended if a lump becomes tender, irreducible, or is associated with nausea, vomiting, fever, or sudden worsening pain—these can be signs of incarceration or strangulation and require prompt clinical review.

Types of hernias we assess on ultrasound

1) Inguinal hernia (groin) – direct & indirect

The most common groin hernia. An ultrasound of the inguinal canal assesses for indirect hernia (through the deep ring, lateral to inferior epigastric vessels) and direct hernia (through Hesselbach’s triangle, medial to the vessels). In men, scanning includes the spermatic cord and assessment for inguinoscrotal extension. In women, we evaluate the round ligament and groin fat planes.

2) Femoral hernia

Less common but important, especially in women. It protrudes through the femoral canal below the inguinal ligament and medial to the femoral vein. These may present with groin pain and are more prone to complications; ultrasound maps the hernia neck and contents.

3) Umbilical hernia

At or near the navel. Ultrasound identifies the defect size, contents (fat, bowel), and reducibility. We can perform dynamic manoeuvres to show protrusion more clearly.

4) Ventral / epigastric / para-umbilical hernias

Occur along the midline or paramedian abdominal wall. Epigastric hernias are often small fat-containing defects above the umbilicus; para-umbilical sit adjacent to the navel.

5) Incisional hernia

Arises at the site of previous surgery. Ultrasound defines the location, number of defects, and relationship to mesh or scar tissue, helping surgeons plan repair.

6) Spigelian hernia

Through the Spigelian aponeurosis (lateral abdominal wall). These can be deep and subtle—ultrasound with probe pressure and Valsalva helps reveal them.

7) Sports/groin pain without a lump

We can evaluate the adductor tendons, pubic symphysis region, and posterior inguinal wall to look for inguinal wall deficiency or other soft-tissue causes that mimic hernia (“sportsman’s hernia”/inguinal disruption).

Why choose ultrasound for hernia?

• Dynamic: scan while you cough/strain/stand—ideal for intermittent or small hernias.
• No radiation: safe imaging modality for all ages.
• High spatial resolution for the superficial abdominal wall, groin and umbilicus.
• Real-time correlation with your point of tenderness.
• Cost-effective, quick, and widely available compared with CT or MRI.

Preparation & what to bring

• No strict fasting is usually required for groin/abdominal wall ultrasound.
• Wear clothing that allows easy access to the groin/abdomen. You may be asked to stand or Valsalva.
• Bring referral letters (if any), prior imaging/reports, and a list of symptoms (when the lump appears, what triggers it).
• If you’re coming for an umbilical or ventral hernia, avoid heavy meals immediately before scanning to reduce bowel peristalsis.

If you have specific mobility needs or pain that limits standing, we’ll adapt the exam and use positional changes or probe pressure to elicit the hernia safely.

What happens during the scan?

1. You’ll lie on a couch; warm gel is applied to the area of concern (groin, umbilicus, scar, or abdominal wall).
2. The sonographer examines the inguinal canal and surrounding fascia in multiple planes. We identify key landmarks (inferior epigastric vessels, deep ring, femoral canal).
3. Dynamic manoeuvres: you may be asked to cough, strain, or stand. We capture cine loops and still images of any protrusion.
4. We measure the defect size, note the contents (fat/bowel/omentum), check reducibility, and assess for tenderness or complications (fluid, inflammation).
5. Where relevant, we scan both sides for comparison, and evaluate for alternative causes (lymph nodes, lipoma, hydrocele, tendon pathology).

The exam is non-invasive and typically lasts 20–30 minutes. You can return to normal activities immediately.

Results, wording & examples

You’ll receive a clear, structured report. Common phrases include:

• “No hernia demonstrated on dynamic ultrasound.” – No protrusion seen, including with cough/Valsalva/standing.
• “Right indirect inguinal hernia: neck 12 mm; reducible; fat-containing.” – Confirms type, side, size and contents.
• “Small para-umbilical hernia containing preperitoneal fat; maximal protrusion on Valsalva.”
• “Incisional hernia at midline scar; two adjacent defects; combined width 25 mm; omental fat visible.”
• “Prominent groin lymph node; benign morphology; no hernia.” – An alternative explanation for a lump.

Recommendations may include surgical referral, watchful waiting for very small asymptomatic defects, weight management/core strengthening advice, or further imaging (CT/MRI) if findings are equivocal or if a deep pelvic/occult hernia is suspected.

Hernia Ultrasound vs CT vs MRI

• Ultrasound: first-line for superficial groin/abdominal wall hernias. Best for dynamic assessment and side-to-side comparison. Operator-dependent; may be limited by body habitus or deeply located defects.
• CT: excellent overview of the entire abdomen/pelvis. Helpful for complex or recurrent hernias, pre-operative mapping, or when ultrasound is inconclusive. Involves radiation; sometimes contrast is required.
• MRI: high soft-tissue contrast without radiation. Useful in equivocal or occult inguinal/femoral hernias and in “sportsman’s hernia”/inguinal disruption to evaluate tendons and pubic symphysis. Longer exam, higher cost, limited availability.

In clinical practice, most straightforward groin and umbilical hernias are confidently diagnosed with ultrasound. CT/MRI are reserved for problem-solving or surgical planning.

Special situations we often scan

Male pelvic/groin ultrasound for hernia

Includes the inguinal canal, spermatic cord and superficial scrotal contents where relevant. We differentiate hernia from hydrocele, varicocele, epididymal cysts, and lymph nodes. If testicular symptoms exist, a dedicated scrotal ultrasound may be added.

Female groin pain

We assess for femoral hernia, inguinal hernia, round ligament varices (especially in pregnancy), and soft-tissue masses (lipoma/lymph node). Dynamic scanning is key because small hernias can be intermittent.

Umbilical hernia in adults

We record defect width, depth and contents and look for signs of irritation or incarceration. Findings support decisions around watchful waiting vs repair.

Incisional hernia mapping

We trace the full scar, identify single or multiple necks, and document relation to any mesh, assisting surgeons with approach and mesh sizing.

Cost of a private hernia ultrasound (London & UK)

Private hernia scan pricing typically ranges from £120–£250 depending on region, single vs bilateral assessment, and whether additional areas (e.g., scrotum, abdominal wall mapping) are included. Your fee usually covers:

• Appointment and targeted history.
• Dynamic ultrasound with standing/strain where appropriate.
• Immediate feedback and a formal written report.
• Advice on next steps (e.g., surgical referral, watchful waiting, or additional imaging).

Package options (e.g., “groin + scrotal ultrasound” or “abdominal wall & umbilicus”) are commonly available—useful if symptoms are on both sides or across multiple sites.

Locations & “near me” availability

We offer appointments in central London and selected UK cities with same-day or next-day slots. If you searched for “hernia ultrasound near me,” “private hernia scan near me,” or “ultrasound scan London groin,” select the clinic closest to you at checkout. Many sites offer early mornings, evenings and weekend clinics.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Understanding hernia reports: key terms

• Indirect vs direct inguinal hernia: pathway through the deep ring (indirect) vs Hesselbach’s triangle (direct).
• Femoral hernia: below inguinal ligament, medial to femoral vein.
• Neck/defect size: width of the opening—helps surgical planning.
• Contents: fat/omentum/bowel; bowel herniation is more clinically significant.
• Reducible vs incarcerated: reducible returns with pressure/position; incarcerated does not—urgent review may be needed if tender/obstructed.
• Occult: not visible at rest; appears only with strain/standing.

Insurance, self-pay & referrals

We accept self-pay bookings (no referral required in most cases). If you have private medical insurance, please check your policy regarding diagnostic ultrasound. After the scan, you’ll receive a detailed report to share with your GP or surgeon.

Book a Private Hernia Ultrasound

Choose your location, pick a time, and complete your details—same-day and next-day appointments often available.