Private Hernia
Ultrasound Scan
A rapid, painless and non-invasive ultrasound assessment for a suspected groin, inguinal, femoral, umbilical, incisional or abdominal-wall hernia. Dynamic ultrasound helps assess the area while resting, coughing or straining and can document the hernia’s location, size and behaviour.
A focused ultrasound examination of the symptomatic or bulging area, performed dynamically to assess for a reducible or non-reducible hernia.
- Review of your symptoms and relevant medical history
- Ultrasound assessment of the suspected hernia site
- Examination while resting and during cough or strain
- Assessment of hernia location, size and contents where visible
- Review of adjacent soft tissues and lymph nodes
- Explanation of the findings during and after the examination
- Official report with relevant images after the scan or within 24 hours
A scan can help investigate a lump, bulge, pressure or pain that becomes more noticeable with movement, coughing, lifting or standing.
- A visible or palpable groin or abdominal-wall lump
- Burning, aching or dragging discomfort
- Pain when coughing, bending, lifting or straining
- Weakness or pressure in the groin or abdominal wall
- Swelling that changes between standing and lying down
- Suspected recurrence after previous hernia surgery
- An unclear lump that may have another soft-tissue cause
Common hernia locations
The examination is tailored to the site of your symptoms or lump.
Inguinal Hernia
A groin hernia occurring through the inguinal canal. This is the most common hernia type.
Femoral Hernia
A hernia in the upper inner thigh or groin region, below the inguinal ligament.
Umbilical Hernia
A hernia at or close to the belly button.
Epigastric Hernia
A midline upper-abdominal-wall hernia between the breastbone and umbilicus.
Incisional Hernia
A hernia developing through or close to a previous surgical scar.
Spigelian Hernia
A less common lateral abdominal-wall hernia that may be difficult to identify clinically.
A targeted and dynamic assessment
Assessment of a painful, swollen or bulging groin region on one or both sides.
Dynamic evaluation of the inguinal canal during rest, cough and strain.
Assessment of a midline or lateral abdominal-wall lump or area of discomfort.
Review of a previous operative site where an incisional hernia is suspected.
Assessment for alternative causes of a lump, including lymph nodes or soft-tissue lesions.
The report can support GP, surgical or specialist review and further imaging where appropriate.
How to prepare
There is no essential preparation for a standard hernia ultrasound scan.
Wear comfortable clothing
Choose clothing that allows easy access to the symptomatic groin or abdominal-wall area.
Identify the exact area
Be ready to point out the lump, pain or swelling and explain when it is most noticeable.
Bring previous information
Bring relevant surgical details, previous scan reports or referral letters when available.
Seek urgent medical care for possible strangulation
A suddenly painful lump that cannot be pushed back, especially with vomiting, abdominal swelling, fever, skin colour change or inability to pass stool or wind, may require emergency assessment rather than a routine private ultrasound appointment.
From booking to clear next steps
A straightforward private pathway with no GP referral required.
Choose your preferred location and appointment time using the secure booking calendar.
Explain the location of the lump or discomfort and when it becomes most noticeable.
The area is scanned while resting and, where appropriate, during coughing, straining or standing.
The findings are discussed and documented in a formal report with relevant images.
Where needed, the report can support GP review, surgical consultation or further imaging.
Frequently asked questions
Further assessment and clinical support
Book your hernia ultrasound scan
Select a location and convenient appointment time below.