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Hernia Scans
At RAD Clinics, we specialise in hernia ultrasound scans to give you clear and accurate insights into your condition. If you’re experiencing pain, swelling, or discomfort related to a possible hernia, our advanced ultrasound technology provides a quick, safe, and non-invasive way to assess the area and confirm the presence of a hernia.
We offer following hernia scans :
- Abdominal Hernia Scan
- Inguinal Hernia Scan
Fees
| Hernia Scan | £160.00 (per scan) |
Type of Hernia scans
Take the first step towards clarity and peace of mind with expert care you can trust. Our experienced team ensures a seamless and stress-free experience, supporting you from the initial consultation to the final report.
Abdominal Hernia Scan
An abdominal hernia occurs when an organ or tissue, such as part of the intestine, pushes through a weakened area in the abdominal muscles. This condition can cause discomfort, pain, and in severe cases, complications like strangulation of the herniated tissue. Diagnosing an abdominal hernia early and accurately is essential for proper treatment and to avoid further complications. At RAD Clinics, we offer state-of-the-art Abdominal Hernia Scans using advanced ultrasound technology to provide clear, real-time imaging of abdominal structures. This allows for precise diagnosis of hernias, as well as the ability to assess any surrounding tissue damage.
What is an Abdominal Hernia Scan?
An Abdominal Hernia Scan is a specialised ultrasound imaging technique designed to assess the abdominal region for hernias. It uses high-frequency sound waves to create detailed images of the abdominal wall and underlying structures. Unlike other imaging methods, ultrasound is non-invasive and does not use radiation, making it a safe option for patients of all ages.
Ultrasound technology is particularly well-suited for diagnosing hernias because it can provide real-time, dynamic images, which are useful for identifying the movement of herniated tissue during physical activity or while the patient strains.
Conditions Diagnosed by Abdominal Hernia Scan
An Abdominal Hernia Scan can accurately diagnose a variety of hernia types, including:
Inguinal Hernia
Occurs when tissue pushes through a weak spot in the groin muscles. It is the most common type of abdominal hernia and can cause pain and discomfort, especially when bending over or lifting heavy objects.
Umbilical Hernia
Common in both infants and adults, this type of hernia occurs when part of the intestine bulges through the abdominal wall near the navel (belly button). It can be particularly visible when coughing or straining.
Incisional Hernia
Develops at the site of a previous surgical incision. This occurs when the abdominal muscles do not heal properly, allowing tissue to push through the weakened area.
Epigastric Hernia
This hernia forms between the navel and the lower part of the rib cage, caused by fat pushing through a weak part of the abdominal muscles. It may cause pain, particularly during physical exertion.
Spigelian Hernia
A rare type of hernia that occurs through the spigelian fascia, located on the side of the abdominal wall. Because it can be hard to detect through physical examination alone, ultrasound is often necessary for diagnosis.
Benefits of Abdominal Hernia Scan
At RAD Clinics, we prioritise patient care by offering accurate and efficient imaging services for abdominal hernias. Here are the key benefits of our Abdominal Hernia Scans:
- Non-Invasive and Safe: Ultrasound does not involve radiation, making it a safe choice for patients, including those who may need multiple scans or are pregnant.
- Real-Time Dynamic Imaging: The ability to capture images in real-time allows clinicians to observe the movement of tissues during strain or coughing, which is crucial for diagnosing hernias that are only visible during certain physical activities.
- Detailed Assessment of Soft Tissues: Ultrasound is highly effective at visualising soft tissues, including muscles and intestines, allowing for an accurate assessment of the hernia and its impact on surrounding structures.
- Quick and Convenient: The scan is quick, typically completed within 20-30 minutes, and results are often available immediately, allowing for prompt diagnosis and treatment planning.
- Cost-Effective: Compared to other imaging modalities like MRI or CT scans, ultrasound is generally more affordable, providing excellent value for patients without compromising diagnostic accuracy.
Inguinal Hernia Scan
An Inguinal Hernia Scan is a diagnostic ultrasound procedure used to identify and assess inguinal hernias in the groin area. Inguinal hernias occur when soft tissue, such as part of the intestine, protrudes through a weak spot in the lower abdominal muscles, often causing pain or discomfort. At RAD Clinics, we provide accurate, non-invasive scans to detect the presence and severity of inguinal hernias, allowing for timely and appropriate treatment decisions.
The inguinal region, located in the lower abdomen near the groin, is particularly susceptible to hernias due to the natural weakness in the muscle wall in this area. Inguinal hernias can range from small and asymptomatic to large and painful, potentially leading to complications if left untreated.
What is An Inguinal Hernia Scan?
An Inguinal Hernia Scan is a specialised ultrasound imaging technique designed to visualise the groin and lower abdominal regions, particularly focusing on the inguinal canal. The scan helps detect herniation by capturing real-time images of the soft tissues and identifying any protrusions or abnormal movements in the abdominal wall. Ultrasound technology is ideal for this purpose because it allows dynamic imaging, meaning the sonographer can see how the tissues move during physical activities, such as coughing or straining, which can reveal a hernia that might not be obvious when the body is at rest.
This procedure is non-invasive, painless, and quick, typically taking between 20 and 30 minutes. Patients are usually asked to perform slight movements, like coughing or pressing on the abdominal area, to observe any movement of the hernia in real time.
Conditions Diagnosed by Inguinal Hernia Ultrasound Scan
An Inguinal Hernia Scan is primarily used to diagnose inguinal hernias, but it can also help identify other conditions in the lower abdomen and groin region. Here are some of the key conditions that can be diagnosed using this scan:
Inguinal Hernia
This occurs when tissue, such as part of the intestine, pushes through a weak spot in the abdominal wall, usually causing a bulge in the groin. The scan can assess both direct and indirect inguinal hernias.
Femoral Hernia
Similar to an inguinal hernia, this type of hernia occurs lower down in the groin, near the femoral artery. Although rarer, it is more common in women and can be diagnosed with this scan.
Hydrocele
A fluid-filled sac in the scrotum that causes swelling, often mistaken for an inguinal hernia. The ultrasound helps differentiate between a hydrocele and a hernia.
Lymphadenopathy
Enlarged lymph nodes in the groin, which can occur due to infection, inflammation, or other health issues. These can sometimes be confused with hernias but are easily distinguishable with a scan.
Lipomas
Benign fatty lumps that may develop in the groin or lower abdominal area. An ultrasound can differentiate these from hernias or other abnormal masses.
Groin Strain
Muscular tears or strains in the groin muscles may mimic the symptoms of a hernia, and an ultrasound scan can help differentiate between a muscle injury and a true hernia.
Benefits of Inguinal Hernia Ultrasound Scan
At RAD Clinics, the Inguinal Hernia Scan offers numerous benefits for patients experiencing symptoms of hernias or related conditions. The key advantages include:
Non-Invasive: The scan does not require surgery or other invasive procedures, making it a safe and comfortable option for patients.
No Radiation Exposure: Ultrasound technology does not use radiation, making it safer, particularly for repeated scans or for patients who need frequent monitoring.
Dynamic Imaging: The real-time nature of the scan allows sonographers to assess how the hernia behaves during movements, such as coughing, giving a more accurate diagnosis.
Quick and Painless: The scan is fast, typically completed within 20 to 30 minutes, and is completely pain-free, requiring no downtime afterward.
Pre-Surgical Assessment: If surgery is necessary, an inguinal hernia scan helps surgeons determine the exact location and size of the hernia, allowing for better planning and more successful outcomes.
Common Questions We Hear From Patients
What type of ultrasound is used for an inguinal hernia?
A dynamic groin ultrasound uses a high-frequency linear probe with standing, cough, and Valsalva manoeuvres. The scan identifies the defect, contents, reducibility, and differentiates inguinal from femoral hernias.
Can a hiatal hernia be seen on ultrasound?
Standard abdominal ultrasound rarely visualises a hiatal hernia reliably. Clinicians usually diagnose with endoscopy or barium swallow; ultrasound may suggest the diagnosis indirectly but lacks consistency.
What is a hernia groin ultrasound?
A hernia groin ultrasound is a targeted, dynamic scan of the inguinal and femoral regions. It locates the defect, measures size and depth, confirms contents, and assesses reducibility to guide treatment.
What can be mistaken for a hernia?
Several conditions mimic a hernia; an ultrasound clarifies the diagnosis.
- Muscle strain or tear
- Lipoma or soft-tissue mass
- Enlarged lymph node or hernia-site hematoma
- Hydrocele/varicocele (groin)
- Saphena varix or vascular dilatation
What can be mistaken for an epigastric hernia?
Epigastric hernia mimics include rectus diastasis, abdominal wall lipoma, small hematoma, and vascular varix. Ultrasound maps the linea alba defect and distinguishes these entities objectively.
What does a hernia feel like?
A hernia typically presents as a soft or firm bulge with aching or dragging discomfort that increases on coughing, lifting, or standing. The lump often reduces when lying flat or with gentle pressure.
Can I feel a hernia in my stomach?
Yes—abdominal wall (ventral, epigastric, or umbilical) hernias present as palpable lumps on the tummy wall rather than the stomach organ itself. A hernia ultrasound confirms the site and contents.
Can a hernia cause lower back pain?
Hernias primarily cause local discomfort at the defect; lower back pain usually arises from other musculoskeletal causes. Large ventral hernias may alter posture and increase back strain, which ultrasound and clinical assessment contextualise.
How is an inguinal hernia diagnosed?
Clinicians diagnose inguinal hernia with history and examination, demonstrating a cough impulse anda reducible bulge. A hernia ultrasound confirms equivocal cases, distinguishes inguinal from femoral hernias, and measures the defect dynamically.
What is a hernia test?
A hernia test is the clinical examination using inspection, palpation, and Valsalva to elicit a defect and cough impulse. Imaging tests include hernia ultrasound for dynamic assessment and MRI/CT for complex or recurrent cases.
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Exceptional professional service, highly recommended for quick, efficient, and friendly ultrasound scans and injections. Instant relief, thorough analysis, and personalized treatment at reasonable prices.
DISCLAIMER
PHYSIOTHERAPY
We accept some private insurance to cover our physiotherapy services. Please check with us prior to booking your appointment.
ULTRASOUND SCANS & MSK INJECTIONS
We do not accept insurance coverage for scans and injections. If you wish to reimburse your fees, then please kindly check with your insurance provider prior to booking as we cannot be held responsible for any non-payments.
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