Hernia Scan Marlow

Hernia is a bulge of the internal organ or soft tissue through a naturally occurring defect, or acquired weaker area in the muscle or surrounding abdominal wall.

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Most hernias develop in the anterior abdominal wall. But they can arise in other locations:

• One typical location is in the abdomen at the top of the thigh. This can be visible sometimes but not always. These are called inguinal or femoral hernia
• In the front midline of the tummy.
• Around or in the umbilicus are known as umbilical or para umbilical.
• In the lower chest through a defect in the diaphragm called diaphragmatic hernia.
• Surgical scars can weaken the abdominal wall and can result in incisional hernia.
• Rarely hernias can develop in the muscles and may pose a diagnostic problem. However, these can be assessed dynamically by ultrasound.

Most of the time the hernias can be silent or may cause very few symptoms. The patients can feel a lump or swelling in the abdominal wall or inguinal region (Groin). This may become visible when squatting, bending over or on exertion. Rarely this may only present discomfort or pain and no obvious swelling.

Typically, excessive exertion or improper lifting techniques cause hernias. Occasionally, hernias can also arise from severe exertion or force, such as during or immediately after childbirth, rather than during the gradual expansion of the abdomen throughout pregnancy.

What are the common causes of hernias?

Natural causes:

• Ageing plays a big role in the weakening of body muscles due to wear and tear.
• Hernias can develop in naturally occurring defects in the abdominal wall.

Risk factors that may cause hernias

• Injury
• Surgery
• Jobs involving heavy lifting or many hours long hours of standing
• Chronic cough
• Chronic constipation and straining
• Multiple pregnancies

Where do hernias typically occur?

Various types of hernias exist, with the belly and groin regions being the most common. 

The primary classifications of hernias include:

• A ventral hernia – also known as an abdominal hernia, refers to a condition in which abdominal organs or tissues protrude through a weakness in the abdominal wall. A weakening or breach in the abdominal wall causes an organ or tissue protrusion known as a hernia.
• Umbilical hernia – which occurs in the region around the navel An umbilical hernia appears in the area around the belly button or navel.
• Incisional hernia – Incisional hernias are a specific type of ventral hernia that develops at the location of a previous abdominal operation.
• Hiatal Hernia – a hiatal hernia occurs when the top portion of the stomach protrudes into the chest through a small breach in the diaphragm, the muscular partition between the abdomen and the chest.
• Inguinal hernia – An inguinal hernia is a protrusion that develops in the pelvic or groin area. When they suspect a hernia, GPs frequently request scanning for this type of hernia when they suspect one. Inguinal hernias arise due to muscle weakness in the lower abdomen.

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A hernia is a pathological condition where a defect in the abdominal wall causes a portion of the abdominal contents to protrude. While initially causing concern for patients, it is reassuring to know that hernias are a common occurrence and effectively treatable with surgical surgery.

Ultrasound being a non-invasive modality is the excellent, inexpensive and readily available initial modality to assess and confidently diagnose hernias. This has the capability to differentiate from other conditions such as soft tissue lumps, lymph nodes, muscle spasm or muscle weaknesses.
In indeterminate cases, the consultant radiologist will recommend for other imaging modalities to aid the diagnosis.

What is a reducible hernia?

Hernial bulges are mostly reducible and unlikely to cause a serious problem.

What is Irreducible hernia?

If the bulging content does not reduce or can not be pushed back is known as irreducible hernia. This condition is painful and can pose a serious problem such as intestinal obstruction which would require medical emergency. This may lead to tissue death and may require urgent surgical intervention.

During the procedure, a trained consultant radiologist or technician (sonographer) will apply a gel to your abdominal area and use a handheld device called a transducer to send and receive sound waves. The transducer captures images on a monitor, and these images are used for diagnosis.

Schedule a hernia ultrasound scan at our clinic near Marlow

A groin ultrasound is a safe and simple imaging procedure, targeting the area between your abdomen and upper thigh. Primarily, it’s used for inspecting muscles and soft tissues and identifying common issues like hernias (inguinal or femoral), lumps, or areas of pain and trauma. This ultrasound is particularly useful at detecting conditions such as hernias, groin lumps, swelling, and abnormal lymph nodes.

The duration of the scan can vary but typically lasts around 30 minutes. However, it may take longer if a more detailed evaluation is required.

Ultrasound imaging is a non-ionising and non-invasive medical test that helps physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions. It is safe and painless. It produces pictures of the inside of the body using sound waves. Ultrasound imaging is also called sonography. It uses a small probe called a transducer and gel placed directly on the skin. High-frequency sound waves travel from the probe through the gel into the body. The probe collects the sounds that bounce back. A computer uses those sound waves to create an image. Ultrasound exams do not use radiation (No x-rays). Because ultrasound captures images in real-time, it can show the structure and motion of the body organs. Thanks to new additions microflow can detect minor inflammations. Ultrasound images of the musculoskeletal system provide pictures of muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints, nerves and soft tissues throughout the body.

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Ultrasound is a quick, non-intrusive way for confirming a hernia.

Radiologists can go through the scan most of the time. If there is something not clear or indeterminate, the radiologist might ask you to come again or advise further tests or referral for more clarification.

We operate our clinic from Manor Park Medical Centre, 2 Lerwick Drive, Slough, Berkshire SL1 3XU. Please note we are not part of Manor Park Medical Centre but use the premises.

We have people travel to us from many miles around including Windsor, High Wycombe, Ascot, Marlow, Hayes, Maidenhead, Uxbridge, West Drayton, Beaconsfield, Hounslow, Richmond, Kensington, Ealing, Wembley, Twickenham, Staines, Northwood, Teddington, Pinner, Kensington and West London.

Book an appointment for a private abdominal ultrasound scan at our clinic near Marlow