Private Hernia Ultrasound Scan in London

A hernia occurs when an internal part of the body, such as an organ or fatty tissue, protrudes through a weak spot in a muscle or surrounding tissue. The most common types of hernias and their locations are:

Inguinal Hernia: Located in the groin area. It’s the most common type and occurs when a portion of the intestine or fatty tissue pushes through the inguinal canal.

Femoral Hernia: Also located in the groin area, but more common in women. It occurs when a part of the intestine enters the canal carrying the femoral artery.

Umbilical Hernia: Located around the belly button. It happens when a part of the intestine pushes through the abdominal wall near the navel.

Incisional Hernia: Occurs through an incision or scar in the abdomen. It may result after abdominal surgery.

Hiatal Hernia: Located in the upper stomach. It happens when the top part of the stomach pushes through the diaphragm into the chest cavity.

Ventral Hernia: Located in the general abdominal/ventral wall. It can occur at any location on the abdominal wall.

Epigastric Hernia: Located between the navel and the lower part of the rib cage. It involves fat pushing through the abdominal wall.

If you suspect a hernia, it’s essential to seek medical advice as they can lead to complications if not treated.

An ultrasound for a hernia can help identify if you have a hernia and where it’s located. This imaging test gives a clear view of the soft tissues, allowing doctors to see any protruding organs or tissues through the abdominal wall or other areas. It’s a non-invasive and painless way to confirm a hernia, understand its size and type, and plan for any necessary treatment or surgery. If you’ve been experiencing pain, discomfort, or a noticeable bulge in certain areas, it’s a good idea to get this scan. It can provide clarity and guide the next steps for your care.

The most common symptoms of hernia issues include:

• A visible lump or bulge in the affected area, especially when straining.
• Pain or discomfort in the area, often worsening with physical activity, coughing, or bending over.
• A burning or aching sensation near the lump.
  In the case of an inguinal hernia, a possible bulge in the groin.
• Feeling of heaviness or pressure in the abdomen.
  For hiatal hernias, symptoms might include heartburn, difficulty swallowing, and chest pain.
• In severe cases, nausea, vomiting, or constipation if the hernia is obstructing the intestines.
• It’s essential to seek medical attention if you notice these symptoms or if the hernia becomes tender, painful, or doesn’t reduce when you lie down, as these could indicate complications.

Hernias often don’t cause issues, and many live with them just fine. But they can grow and become dangerous if the tissue gets stuck and loses its blood flow, leading to tissue death.

In such cases, urgent medical care is essential, possibly even emergency surgery, to release the trapped tissue and prevent any permanent harm to the organs involved.

Confidently evaluate the area of suspected hernia with ultrasound. With our advanced technology, we can identify any bulged, painful, or symptomatic part of your body, whether it is in the Epigastric, Umbilical, Inguinal, or any area in the abdomen. Trust us to accurately pinpoint the location of your suspected hernia and provide you with the necessary information to make informed decisions about your health.

The procedure for a hernia ultrasound examination involves the following steps:

1. Preparation: You might be asked to wear loose clothes and lie down on an examination table.
2. Applying Gel: A clear, water-based gel is applied to the area of interest to ensure good contact between the skin and the ultrasound probe.
3. Scanning with the Probe: The sonographer moves the ultrasound probe (transducer) over the specific area where the hernia is suspected. This probe sends sound waves into the body, which bounce back to create images on a monitor.
4. Different Views: The sonographer might ask you to change positions or hold your breath briefly to capture clear images from different angles.
5. Observation: The ultrasound images will show whether there’s a hernia and provide details about its size, location, and contents (whether it’s fatty tissue, bowel, or other organs).
6. Post-examination: After the examination, the gel is wiped off, and you can change back into your clothes.
7. Discussion: The sonographer may discuss the preliminary findings with you or advise that the results be sent to your doctor.
8. Follow-up: Based on the ultrasound findings, further tests or treatments might be recommended.

Remember, the procedure is non-invasive, painless, and doesn’t use radiation. It’s a safe way to visualize soft tissues and assess the presence and characteristics of a hernia.

There is no essential preparation for this scan.