What is a hernia?
A hernia happens when part of the bowel or fatty tissue pushes through a weak spot in the muscle wall of the tummy or groin, causing a lump or bulge. It often appears when you cough, strain or stand, and goes back in when you lie down.
Can an ultrasound detect a hernia?
Yes. Ultrasound is the standard first test for groin and abdominal wall hernias. Because it works in real time, the specialist can watch while you cough, strain and stand, which is how many hernias are found. It shows the type of hernia, its size and what is inside it.
What types of hernia can the scan show?
A hernia ultrasound can show:
- Inguinal hernias in the groin, the most common type
- Femoral hernias, lower in the groin and more common in women
- Umbilical and paraumbilical hernias at the belly button
- Incisional hernias through an old surgical scar
- Epigastric hernias above the belly button
When is a hernia an emergency?
Go to A&E straight away if a hernia becomes very painful, hard or tender, cannot be pushed back in, or comes with vomiting, a swollen tummy or being unable to pass wind or stools. These can be signs of a strangulated or obstructed hernia, which needs emergency surgery.
Can a hernia be missed on ultrasound?
Occasionally, a small hernia that only appears under strain can be missed if the scan is done lying still, which is why we scan you standing and while you cough and strain. If your symptoms strongly suggest a hernia but the scan is clear, an MRI or a surgical opinion may be advised.
Will an inguinal hernia heal on its own?
No. A hernia is a gap in the muscle wall, and it does not close by itself; over time many slowly get bigger. Small, painless hernias can sometimes be safely watched, but the only cure is surgical repair. Your surgeon will advise whether and when that is right for you.
What does a hernia feel like?
Usually a soft lump or swelling that appears when you cough, lift, strain or stand, and shrinks or disappears when you lie down. It may ache or feel heavy, especially by the end of the day. Some hernias cause discomfort before any lump can be felt.
Can I have a hernia without a lump?
Yes. Small hernias may cause groin aching or a dragging feeling without a visible lump. An ultrasound while you strain can show a hernia that is not obvious on examination.
What is a sportsman’s hernia?
Sportsman’s hernia, or groin disruption, is groin pain in athletes caused by strain of the muscles and tendons around the groin rather than a true hernia with a lump. Ultrasound can look for a hernia and tendon problems; MRI is sometimes needed for the full picture.
Do all hernias need surgery?
Not always. Small hernias that cause few symptoms are sometimes monitored, particularly inguinal hernias in men. Femoral hernias are usually repaired because they carry a higher risk of complications. The scan report helps your surgeon advise on the right option.
Hernia or something else: what else can cause a groin lump?
Groin lumps can also be swollen lymph nodes, a lipoma, a fluid collection, a varicose vein or, in men, a problem in the scrotum. Ultrasound tells these apart, so you know exactly what the lump is.
Does a hernia ultrasound hurt?
No. The probe rests gently on the skin with warm gel. Coughing and straining are only for a moment, and you can stop if anything is uncomfortable.
How long does a hernia ultrasound take?
Around twenty minutes, including scans lying down and standing, and time to explain the findings.
How much does a hernia ultrasound cost?
At Harley Street Ultrasound a private hernia ultrasound costs £260, all fees inclusive: the dynamic scan, the specialist’s time, your written report and images. Same-day or next-day appointments are usually available.
What if you find something?
Your specialist tells you in the room, in plain English, and explains exactly what it means. You will never be sent home to wait for a letter. Most findings are benign and need nothing more than a sensible review date.
Anything that does need attention gets a clear, objective recommendation in your report: monitor, test further, or refer. Follow-up tests can usually be arranged at 99 Harley Street, often the same week, and those results are also explained to you personally.
Do I need a referral?
No. Harley Street Ultrasound is a private clinic, so you can book a hernia ultrasound in London directly online or by phone. No GP letter, no waiting list, and same-day or next-day appointments are usually available. If you are searching for a hernia ultrasound near me from anywhere in central London, we are at 99 Harley Street, a short walk from Regent’s Park and Oxford Circus stations.
If you are wondering how much a private hernia ultrasound costs, the answer is published before you book: £260, all fees inclusive: the examination, the specialist’s time, your written report and your images. Insured patients should bring a referral or authorisation number if their policy requires one.
How soon will I have the written report?
Usually the same day: a Harley Street hernia ultrasound comes with same-day results as standard, and you will already know the findings, because they are explained to you on screen during the appointment.
The written report is prepared by the specialist team and published to your secure patient portal together with your images, with measurements and a clear recommendation, ready to share with your GP or specialist.
What happens after the scan?
Nothing special: there is no aftercare needed. You can eat, drive and go back to work straight away. Diagnostic ultrasound at these intensities has no confirmed adverse effects, which is why it can be repeated safely for monitoring. If your results suggest a next step, your specialist explains it before you leave.
Can I still use the NHS afterwards?
Yes: completely. Coming to us privately never affects your NHS care. Our job is to get you answers quickly; if anything needs urgent attention, your specialist writes to your NHS GP recommending an urgent appointment, so you re-enter the NHS pathway with a diagnosis already in hand rather than joining the queue from the start.
