No specific Preparation
Abdominal Wall Scan
Abdominal Wall
Same Day Appointments
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No Referral Needed
Book without a GP referral
Instant Scan Summary
Scan results summary before you leave
Price
£239
Offpeak
£229
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What's included in the Abdominal Wall Scan
Hi-Resolution Ultrasound assessment of the Abdominal Wall (tissues & muscles that support the internal abdominal organs)
Includes assessment for certain types of abdominal lumps and hernias such as epigastric, umbilical, paraumbilical hernia.
Can check superficial abdominal soft tissues for issues including soft tissue lumps and diastasis
Formal written ultrasound report in 24 hours
Expert Care by HCPC & GMC Clinicians
About the Abdominal Wall Scan
An abdominal wall ultrasound is a non-invasive imaging technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to create detailed images of the soft tissues, muscles, and abnormalities present in the abdominal wall area.
The abdominal wall is a complex, layered structure of skin, subcutaneous tissues, and muscles that form the boundary of the abdomen and supports the internal organs. It helps to protect and provide structural support to the internal organs and is involved in posture.
An abdominal wall ultrasound scan will assess the of tissues under the skin that make up the abdominal wall. It is useful to check for conditions such as soft tissue abdominal lumps, abdominal hernia, certain muscle and tissue abnormalities, fluid collections, foreign bodies, masses/tumours and diastasis. It can also be useful prior to having certain types of abdominal surgery such as a ‘tummy tuck’.
The scan can not however check the internal organs, such as your liver, in which case deeper abdomen scan is required.
Objective of the scan
The purpose of the abdominal wall scan is to assess the superficial layer of tissues in the abdomen (abdominal wall) by ultrasound for abnormalities including soft tissue abdominal lumps, abdominal hernia, certain muscle and tissue abnormalities, fluid collections, foreign bodies, masses, tumours and diastasis recti (widening).
The abdominal wall is composed of tissues in the abdomen that hold, contain and protect the internal organs (abdominal wall). These layers are made up of connective tissues and muscles, including the six-pack muscles (rectus abdominis). The abdominal wall scan will check these tissues for abnormalities and problems.
Why choose us for your Abdominal Wall Scan
What brought you here?
Pick the closest match. We'll show what the scan looks for and what usually happens next.
What the scan looks for
The size, depth and make-up of the lump, whether it is solid, fluid-filled or fatty, and which tissue layer it sits in.
What happens next
A verbal summary on the day and a written report within 24 hours describing the lump, for your GP or a general surgeon to review.
What the scan looks for
The width of the separation between the rectus muscles, measured at rest and while you tense, and whether any hernia sits within it.
What happens next
A written report within 24 hours with the measurements, which your GP, surgeon or women's health physiotherapist can work from.
What the scan looks for
Fluid collections such as a seroma or haematoma at the scar, signs of infection, and whether the repair site has given way.
What happens next
We explain the findings before you leave and report within 24 hours to you and your surgeon. Signs of infection are flagged for prompt medical review.
What the scan looks for
Muscle separation, any hidden hernia in the wall and the thickness and layering of the tissues the surgeon will be working through.
What happens next
A written report within 24 hours you can take to your surgeon for planning, with measurements and the location of anything we find.
What the scan looks for
Inflammation in the fat and muscle layers, small abscesses or fluid, and any foreign body or stitch material in the tissues.
What happens next
A verbal summary on the day and a written report within 24 hours. Where we see a collection that may be infected we advise you to see a doctor promptly.
Please note: This scan only covers the layers of the abdominal wall, so it can't assess the liver, kidneys or other organs inside the abdomen, and it can't exclude bowel problems. A deeper abdominal scan or CT is needed for those.
Why do I need a Abdominal Wall Scan?
The abdominal wall scan can be useful to assess for certain types of problems such as
- Hernias: Detection of hernias (umbilical, epigastric) by visualising abnormal protrusions of tissues or organs through the abdominal wall.
- Masses and Tumors: Identification of cysts, lipomas, hematomas, abscesses, and other masses or tumours in the abdominal wall.
- Muscle and Tissue Abnormalities: Evaluation of inflammation, and other abnormalities in the muscles and connective tissues.
- Fluid Collections: Detection of fluid collections such as seromas, hematomas, or abscesses within the abdominal wall.
- Foreign Bodies: Localisation of foreign bodies that may be embedded in the abdominal wall tissues.
- Pre and post-surgery: Monitoring for complications such as abscesses, seromas, or recurrence of hernias after abdominal surgery.
- Soft Tissue Infections: Assessment of cellulitis or other infections of the soft tissues.
In some instances, further tests may be needed following an ultrasound scan to establish a diagnosis.
The scan can also provide crucial information to your healthcare provider on the best treatment approach by highlighting problematic areas or other complications that might heighten the level of concern for your condition.
Why do I need a Abdominal Wall Scan?
The abdominal wall scan can be useful to assess for certain types of problems such as
- Hernias: Detection of hernias (umbilical, epigastric) by visualising abnormal protrusions of tissues or organs through the abdominal wall.
- Masses and Tumors: Identification of cysts, lipomas, hematomas, abscesses, and other masses or tumours in the abdominal wall.
- Muscle and Tissue Abnormalities: Evaluation of inflammation, and other abnormalities in the muscles and connective tissues.
- Fluid Collections: Detection of fluid collections such as seromas, hematomas, or abscesses within the abdominal wall.
- Foreign Bodies: Localisation of foreign bodies that may be embedded in the abdominal wall tissues.
- Pre and post-surgery: Monitoring for complications such as abscesses, seromas, or recurrence of hernias after abdominal surgery.
- Soft Tissue Infections: Assessment of cellulitis or other infections of the soft tissues.
In some instances, further tests may be needed following an ultrasound scan to establish a diagnosis.
The scan can also provide crucial information to your healthcare provider on the best treatment approach by highlighting problematic areas or other complications that might heighten the level of concern for your condition.
What we check
The areas examined in one appointment. Open any section for detail.
Abdominal Wall What can the Abdominal Wall Scan detect?
Our abdominal wall scan uses ultrasound and can assess for a range of conditions such as:
- Abdominal lumps, bulging or swelling under the skin including
- lipomas
- cysts
- tumours
- Diastasis recti, or divarication – separated stomach muscles when your belly sticks out because the space between your left and right belly muscles has widened
- Various Abdominal Hernias including
- Epigastric hernia
- Umbilical hernia
- Incisional hernias
- Spigelian hernias
- Incisional hernias
- Signs of inflammation under the skin
- Fluid under the skin
- Haematomas
- Classification of a mass e.g. solid, cystic, mixed
- Post-surgical complications e.g. abscess, fluid
- Prior to some surgical procedures including a tummy tuck.
Benefits of the Abdominal Wall Scan
The test is painless, safe, and can be done quickly. Your doctor may require an abdominal wall ultrasound scan to plan the best treatment. The scan is often also required prior to some surgical procedures including a ‘tummy tuck’ or it may be needed to check a lump or swelling under the abdominal skin. It is often used in conjunction with other tests such as blood tests, clinical evaluation and or other ultrasound scans. These could include the abdominal scan, which looks deeper into the abdomen at the abdominal organs such as the liver and gallbladder, or the pelvic scan which checks the womb and ovaries. Ultrasonography is a non-invasive imaging modality and is widely used for the assessment of the abdominal wall. It can provide clinically useful information on a wide range of conditions affecting the abdominal wall and abdominal soft tissues.
The Scan Clinic has expert clinical staff to assess the abdominal wall.
Although many hernias are not considered life-threatening, this decision can only be made after the scan has been completed. Some hernias can be life-threatening and often don’t present with any additional symptoms. This makes having the hernia ultrasound done quickly vital, and private hernia ultrasound clinics often have shorter wait times, and you can get the results faster.
How to prepare
Arriving with the right preparation is important as failure to do so may result in us not being able to perform the scan.
No preparation needed
- No specific preparation is required for this scan.
On the day
During the scan, you will be asked to uncover the area being scanned, hence we advise to wear suitable loose clothing and a small amount of ultrasound gel will be placed over your skin.
An ultrasound camera (‘probe’) will then be placed on top and moved along and around the area. This results in a picture appearing on the ultrasound monitor and patient TV which will be translated by the clinical specialist/ medical practitioner.
The ultrasound scan itself usually lasts around 10-15 minutes and is pain-free. At the end of the scan, a verbal summary of the results will be provided, as well as your opportunity to ask any questions.
Right after
Your clinician talks you through a verbal summary and answers your questions.
Within 24 hours
A formal written report arrives by email, ready to share with your GP.
If anything needs follow-up
We explain what was seen, the options and who to speak to next.
More about the Abdominal Wall Scan
What is a Abdominal Wall Scan?
An abdominal wall ultrasound is a safe and painless scan to evaluate a variety of conditions affecting the abdominal wall such as superficial lumps and hernias.
The scan can detect fluid collection or inflammation, hernia size and contents, abnormalities, and areas of concern.
The scan will also determine potential complications of the hernia.
What patients say
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Book your Abdominal Wall Scan
Same-day and weekend appointments at The Scan Clinic London East in Gants Hill, with a verbal summary before you leave.
Standard price£239
Off-peak price£229
Off-peak discount is applied automatically at checkout. Verbal summary and written report included.
How to find us
Address
The Scan Clinic London East
635A Cranbrook Road
Gants Hill IG2 6SX
Free parking spaces directly in front of the clinic, plus a paid public car park opposite.
Important notes
- We will require details of your GP / Health Care Professional, which may be requested before or at the time of the scan.
- This scan requires access to the area of interest; therefore, it is recommended to wear loose clothing to facilitate this process.
- Study images are not typically included with the scan but may be requested, further information can be found by clicking here.
- Our London East clinic is located on the first floor, up one flight of stairs. Please note that we don’t have a lift available at this location.
- All of our first-line tests are optional and provided on a self-referral basis. You must be aged 18 years or over to use this service. If you have an existing medical condition, are undergoing treatment, or have any concerns about whether this test is appropriate for you, we recommend that you consult your GP or healthcare professional before booking.
- We kindly ask that you inform us of any specific requirements, reasonable adjustments, cultural considerations, or practitioner preferences before your appointment. Whilst we will make every reasonable effort to accommodate requests, this may not always be possible at short notice or subject to staff availability.
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More about the Abdominal Wall Scan
Learn more about this scan, the areas it covers and ultrasound in general in our Health Hub.
Go to Health Hub
Medically reviewed by
Mr. Mohammad Usman
Clinical Lead and Consultant Sonographer