Private Hernia Ultrasound
Private Hernia Ultrasound Scan – £125
Rapid Assessment of Suspected Hernias
The Blackheath Clinic provides private hernia ultrasound scans for adults with a suspected groin, inguinal or abdominal-wall hernia.
A hernia ultrasound can help investigate a lump, bulge, swelling or discomfort where a hernia is suspected or where the diagnosis is uncertain following clinical examination.
Ultrasound allows the affected area to be examined dynamically, including while standing, changing position or straining where appropriate. This can help identify a hernia and provide information about its location and appearance.
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No GP referral required -
Experienced diagnostic sonographers
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Doctor-led clinic
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Rapid appointments available
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Formal diagnostic report
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Abdominal Ultrasound
£125
What Is a Hernia Ultrasound?
A hernia occurs when tissue or part of an internal structure protrudes through a weakness or opening in the surrounding muscle or connective tissue.
Hernias commonly occur in the groin or abdominal wall and may produce a visible or palpable lump. Some become more noticeable when standing, coughing, lifting or straining and may reduce or disappear when lying down.
Ultrasound can provide real-time images of the affected area and is particularly useful where a hernia is suspected but is not obvious on clinical examination.
The examination does not use ionising radiation and is non-invasive.
What Types of Hernia Can Ultrasound Assess?
Inguinal Hernia
An inguinal hernia develops in the groin and is one of the most common types of hernia.
Symptoms may include:
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A lump or bulge in the groin
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Groin discomfort or aching
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Symptoms that worsen with lifting or exercise
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A lump that becomes more prominent when coughing or straining
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A lump that disappears or becomes smaller when lying down
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A feeling of pressure or heaviness within the groin
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Monitoring of certain known liver, gallbladder or kidney conditions
Ultrasound can be particularly helpful where symptoms suggest an inguinal hernia but there is no obvious lump at the time of clinical examination.
Femoral Hernia
Femoral hernias also occur in the groin but arise through a different anatomical location from an inguinal hernia.
They are less common than inguinal hernias and occur more frequently in women.
Ultrasound may help assess a groin lump and provide information about its location and characteristics.
Because femoral hernias can have a greater risk of complications, appropriate medical or surgical assessment may be recommended when one is suspected or identified.
Umbilical & Paraumbilical Hernia
Ultrasound for a Lump Around the Belly Button
An umbilical or paraumbilical hernia occurs around the umbilicus or belly button.
Patients may notice:
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A lump around the belly button
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A bulge that appears when standing or straining
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Local discomfort
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Tenderness around the umbilicus
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A lump that changes in size with movement or position
Ultrasound can assess the area and help determine whether a hernia is present.
Why Might I Need a Hernia Ultrasound?
A hernia ultrasound may be appropriate if you have:
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A new groin lump
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A lump in the abdominal wall
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A lump around the belly button
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Intermittent groin swelling
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Groin pain or discomfort
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A bulge that appears when standing
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A lump that becomes more noticeable when coughing or straining
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Discomfort when exercising or lifting
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A suspected hernia that was not clearly identified on examination
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Symptoms around a previous surgical scar
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A previously diagnosed hernia requiring further assessment
If you’re uncertain whether a hernia ultrasound is appropriate for your symptoms, our team can advise before booking or you can arrange an appointment with one of our private GPs.
Our Patient Review
I was understandably very worried and was able to book an appointment within just a couple of hours. From the moment we met him, Dr Mac Sweeney was kind, reassuring, professional and genuinely caring. He took the time to listen, explained everything clearly, and made us feel that my husband was in very safe hands.
What impressed me most was that his care did not stop when we left the consultation. He followed up on several occasions to check on my husband's progress, prescribed more medicine and even went out of his way to provide a letter for our insurance company, which was incredibly helpful.
In a world where good service can sometimes feel hard to find, Dr Mac Sweeney demonstrated a level of compassion and personal attention that was truly exceptional. The fee was also very reasonable, especially given the time, care and support we received.
I would wholeheartedly recommend Dr Mac Sweeney to anyone needing medical assistance and will always be grateful for the kindness he showed to both of us. If I lived in London I would most certainly subscribe to his membership scheme so he could deal with all my family's medical needs.
The clinic has a friendly and relaxed atmosphere, with a fresh, calming scent that immediately creates a welcoming environment. Everything was explained clearly and professionally, making the whole experience completely stress-free.
I particularly appreciated the expert advice and felt comfortable throughout. I would highly recommend The Blackheath Clinic to anyone looking for a professional, patient-focused service.
As I entered the tastefully curated space, I encountered one of the rarest of things: a polite, smiling and genuinely welcoming receptionist. In fact, she was so warm and courteous that I briefly wondered whether I had wandered into an upmarket spa by mistake.
Then I met Dr Sweeney. He was charming, courteous, friendly and thoroughly professional, with the kind of bedside manner that reminds you what general practice can be at its best: attentive, humane and quietly confident. He came across as someone who takes real pride in his work and genuinely cares for his patients.
The whole experience felt like stepping back into a time when patients were warmly received and doctors truly doctored. As I was leaving, Dr Sweeney mentioned that he was off on a home visit. A GP doing a home visit in 2026? I was so astonished I nearly needed examining all over again.
Join this practice quickly before word gets out and the list fills up. This is care delivered by people who genuinely care, and that feels all too rare these days
I had lip filler and RRS Long Lasting skin boosters, and she took the time to explain everything clearly, answer all my questions, and ensure I felt confident about the treatments. Her attention to detail and gentle approach really stood out, and I couldn’t be happier with the results.
Dr Micha Plugaru truly combines expertise with a warm, personal touch. I would highly recommend her to anyone considering aesthetic treatments — you’re in the safest and most caring hands.
Dynamic Hernia Ultrasound
Why Is Ultrasound Useful for Hernias?
One of the advantages of ultrasound in assessing a suspected hernia is that the examination can be dynamic.
Unlike a static image, ultrasound allows the sonographer to observe the area in real time.
Depending on the location and symptoms, you may be asked to:
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Cough
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Strain gently
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Change position
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Contract the abdominal muscles
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Stand for part of the examination
These manoeuvres can make an intermittent or small hernia easier to demonstrate.
What Can a Hernia Ultrasound Show?
A hernia ultrasound can help assess:
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Whether a hernia is visible
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The location of the hernia
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The abdominal-wall defect where visible
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Movement of tissue through the defect during straining
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Whether the abnormality changes with position or pressure
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Other superficial abnormalities that may account for a palpable lump
The ultrasound report can provide useful information for your GP or surgeon if further assessment is required.
Ultrasound cannot answer every question relating to a hernia, and occasionally further imaging such as CT or MRI may be recommended.
Do All Hernias Need Surgery?
No.
Whether treatment is required depends on factors including the type of hernia, symptoms, size, clinical findings and individual circumstances.
Some hernias may simply be monitored, while symptomatic or higher-risk hernias may require assessment by a surgeon.
The purpose of the ultrasound is to help establish or clarify the diagnosis. If a hernia is identified, your report can be used to support subsequent medical or surgical assessment.
When Is a Hernia an Emergency?
Symptoms Requiring Urgent Medical Assessment
A routine private ultrasound appointment is not appropriate for a suspected acutely complicated hernia.
Seek urgent medical attention if you develop symptoms such as:
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Sudden or severe abdominal or groin pain
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A previously reducible lump that becomes firm or cannot be pushed back
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Rapidly increasing swelling
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Increasing tenderness
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Redness or discolouration over a hernia
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Persistent vomiting
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Significant abdominal distension
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Inability to pass stool or wind
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Fever or becoming systemically unwell
These symptoms can indicate a complication requiring urgent medical or surgical assessment.
I’d definitely retain this section. Hernia is one of the services where we need a very clear boundary between routine diagnostic imaging and a potentially strangulated/obstructed hernia.
What Happens If a Hernia Is Found?
Following your ultrasound, a formal diagnostic report will be prepared.
Depending on the findings and your symptoms, you may be advised to:
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Discuss the findings with your GP
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Monitor the symptoms
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Arrange assessment by a general surgeon
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Have further imaging where appropriate
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Seek more urgent medical assessment if there are concerning clinical features
Because The Blackheath Clinic is a doctor-led medical clinic, we can assist with GP assessment and onward referral to an appropriate specialist where required.
This fits the broader diagnostic model already established on your main ultrasound page, where imaging can be supported by GP review and specialist referral rather than leaving the patient to navigate the result alone.
Preparing for Your Hernia Ultrasound
Most focused hernia ultrasound examinations require little or no special preparation.
You should wear comfortable clothing that allows the area being examined to be easily accessed.
Depending on the location of the suspected hernia, you may be examined lying down and standing.
Your appointment confirmation will provide any specific preparation instructions required for your examination.
Do I Need a GP Referral?
No Referral Required
In most cases, patients can book a private hernia ultrasound directly without a GP referral.
If your GP or another healthcare professional has already examined you or recommended an ultrasound, please bring any relevant referral letter or previous imaging reports where available.
If you’re unsure whether ultrasound is the appropriate investigation for your symptoms, you can contact us before booking or arrange a private GP assessment.
How Much Does a Private Hernia Ultrasound Cost?
Hernia Ultrasound – £125
A private hernia ultrasound at The Blackheath Clinic costs £125, including the ultrasound examination and formal diagnostic report.
The examination can be used for assessment of a single suspected hernia or symptomatic anatomical area, where clinically appropriate.
Private Hernia Ultrasound – £125
No referral required.
Why Choose The Blackheath Clinic?
The Blackheath Clinic provides diagnostic ultrasound within a professional, doctor-led private medical clinic.
Rapid appointments available
Experienced diagnostic sonographers
Modern ultrasound equipment
Formal diagnostic report
Private GP assessment available
