Ultrasound IrelandMedical & Maternity Ultrasound Centers
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Hernia Ultrasound Scan

Groin & Abdominal Wall Hernia Scan|€170(Medical Card: €150)(Duration: 20-30 minutes)
Preparation:No special preparation required
Results:Radiologist report sent within 2-3 working days

What Is a Hernia Ultrasound Scan?

A hernia happens when tissue — usually fat, sometimes bowel — pushes through a weakness in the abdominal wall, most often in the groin or around the belly button. Ultrasound is the standard first test for a suspected hernia, and it has one decisive advantage: it is dynamic. Many hernias slip back inside when you lie down, so we examine you lying and standing, and ask you to cough or strain (a Valsalva manoeuvre) — catching in real time the movement that a static scan would miss.

The scan confirms whether a lump is a hernia or something else — an enlarged lymph node, a cyst, or a fatty lump, which we also assess on our Lumps and Bumps scan. If a hernia is present, the report describes where it is, what type it is, how large the defect is, what is passing through it, and whether it slides back in (is reducible) — the information a GP or surgeon uses to decide whether repair is needed.

When not to wait for a scan: if a hernia suddenly becomes very painful, hard, and cannot be pushed back in — especially with nausea or vomiting — this can mean the tissue is trapped (strangulated). That is an emergency: go to an emergency department immediately rather than booking a scan.

What We Assess With This Scan

  • Inguinal hernias (the most common type, in the groin)
  • Femoral hernias (lower groin, more common in women)
  • Umbilical and paraumbilical hernias (around the belly button)
  • Epigastric hernias (upper abdominal midline)
  • Incisional hernias (at the site of previous surgery)
  • The size of the defect and what is passing through it (fat or bowel)
  • Whether the hernia is reducible (slides back in)
  • Dynamic assessment — lying, standing, coughing, and straining
  • Other causes of a groin lump: lymph nodes, cysts, lipomas

This scan cannot assess:

  • Hiatus hernia — this is internal, at the top of the stomach, and needs endoscopy or a barium study, not ultrasound
  • A very small or intermittent hernia can occasionally evade even dynamic scanning — a normal scan with persistent symptoms is worth discussing with your GP
  • "Sports hernia" (inguinal disruption) is a clinical diagnosis — ultrasound helps mainly by excluding a true hernia

Why You Might Need This Scan

Common symptoms:

  • •A lump or bulge in the groin or around the belly button
  • •A bulge that appears when standing, coughing, or lifting and disappears lying down
  • •A dragging or aching sensation in the groin, worse by the end of the day
  • •Discomfort in the groin when lifting or straining
  • •A visible bulge at or near a surgical scar

Conditions we assess:

  • •Inguinal hernia
  • •Femoral hernia
  • •Umbilical and paraumbilical hernia
  • •Epigastric hernia
  • •Incisional hernia
  • •Groin lumps that turn out not to be hernias (lymph nodes, cysts, lipomas)

What to Expect

Before Your Scan

No special preparation is needed.

Preparation checklist:

  • Wear loose, comfortable clothing — the scan examines the lower abdomen and groin
  • Note when the lump appears (standing, coughing, end of day) so you can describe it
  • Arrive 10 minutes before your appointment time

During the Scan

You'll lie on an examination table while warm gel is applied and the probe is moved over the area. You'll be asked to cough and to strain as if bearing down (Valsalva manoeuvre), and usually to stand so the scan can be repeated upright — many hernias only appear under pressure or gravity. The scan takes 20-30 minutes and is not painful, though pressure over a tender bulge may cause brief discomfort.

After Your Scan

You can return to normal activities immediately.

Results & Next Steps

Your scan is reviewed by a consultant radiologist, who prepares a formal report describing the type, size, contents, and reducibility of any hernia found. This report is sent to your referring doctor within 2-3 working days — the information your GP or surgeon needs to plan the next step. Please note: our sonographers cannot provide verbal results on the day.

Pricing

Price: €170 (Medical Card: €150)

Cancellation: We require 24 hours notice for cancellations or rescheduling.

Ready to Book?

Available 7 days a week across our three Dublin locations.

Call 01 210 0232Make an Appointment

Frequently Asked Questions

This is exactly what the dynamic technique is for. Hernias that vanish lying down are examined standing and while you cough or strain, which raises the pressure in the abdomen and pushes the hernia out where it can be seen. Telling the sonographer what brings the lump on also helps.
Not necessarily — that decision belongs with your GP or a surgeon. The report gives them what they need: the type of hernia, the size of the defect, what is passing through it, and whether it reduces. Small, symptom-free hernias are sometimes simply monitored.
No. A hiatus hernia is internal — the top of the stomach slipping through the diaphragm — and is diagnosed by endoscopy or a barium swallow, not ultrasound. This scan covers hernias of the abdominal wall and groin.
If a hernia suddenly becomes very painful and hard, cannot be pushed back in, or is accompanied by nausea or vomiting, the tissue may be trapped and losing blood supply. Do not wait for a scan — go to an emergency department immediately.
Enlarged lymph nodes, cysts, and fatty lumps (lipomas) are the common alternatives — and the scan distinguishes them from a hernia in the same appointment. In men, a lump extending towards the scrotum may be assessed alongside our scrotal ultrasound.
A normal scan is reassuring evidence but not an absolute guarantee — a very small or intermittent hernia can occasionally evade detection. If symptoms persist, discuss the result with your GP; a repeat scan when the lump is actually out, or further imaging, may be appropriate.
A GP referral is recommended as it provides useful clinical context. If you don't have one, please contact us to discuss your situation.
Your images are reviewed by a consultant radiologist and a formal report is sent within 2-3 working days.

Ready to Book Your Scan?

Our experienced team is available 7 days a week across our three Dublin locations.

Make an AppointmentCall 01 210 0232