Private Abdominal Ultrasound London: What It Checks, What It Costs, and Why a Doctor Should Perform Yours

An abdominal ultrasound is one of the most commonly performed diagnostic scans in medicine, and for good reason. It is safe, painless, uses no radiation, and can provide immediate answers about the health of your liver, gallbladder, kidneys, pancreas, spleen, and aorta — all in a single appointment.

If your GP has suggested an ultrasound, if you have been experiencing abdominal pain or bloating, if your blood tests have come back abnormal, or if you simply want a thorough check of your abdominal organs, this guide explains exactly what to expect from a private abdominal ultrasound in London and why The Wellness is where patients come when they want answers today, not in three weeks.

Want to book now? Message us on WhatsApp or email team@thewellnesslondon.com.

What Does an Abdominal Ultrasound Actually Check?

An abdominal ultrasound systematically assesses the solid organs and major blood vessels in your abdomen. Here is what each organ assessment can reveal:

Liver: The liver is the largest solid organ in the abdomen. Ultrasound can identify fatty liver disease (hepatic steatosis), which now affects an estimated 25–30% of the UK adult population according to the British Liver Trust. It can also detect liver cysts, haemangiomas, focal lesions, cirrhosis, and hepatomegaly (enlarged liver). If your liver function tests (LFTs) are elevated, an ultrasound is typically the first imaging investigation recommended.

Gallbladder and bile ducts: Gallstones are extremely common — they affect approximately 10–15% of adults in Western countries. Ultrasound has a sensitivity of over 95% for detecting gallstones, making it the gold-standard investigation for right upper quadrant pain, nausea after fatty meals, and suspected biliary colic. The scan also checks for gallbladder wall thickening, polyps, and bile duct dilation.

Kidneys: Both kidneys are assessed for size, structure, cysts, stones, hydronephrosis (obstruction), and cortical thinning. Kidney stones are a common cause of severe flank pain, and ultrasound can detect both the stone and any resulting obstruction. Renal cysts are found incidentally in up to 50% of people over 50 and are usually benign, but characterisation on ultrasound helps determine whether follow-up is needed.

Pancreas: The pancreas sits deep in the abdomen and can be challenging to visualise in some patients, but when adequately seen, ultrasound can identify pancreatic cysts, duct dilation, calcification, and masses. A dilated pancreatic duct or a visible mass on ultrasound warrants urgent further investigation.

Spleen: Splenomegaly (enlarged spleen) can be a sign of liver disease, haematological conditions, or infection. Ultrasound measures spleen size accurately and can detect focal lesions.

Aorta: The abdominal aorta is assessed for dilation (aneurysm). The NHS AAA Screening Programme screens all men over 65 because ruptured aortic aneurysms kill approximately 4,000 people per year in England. At The Wellness, we offer AAA screening to any adult with cardiovascular risk factors — the scan takes under 10 minutes and can be life-saving.

Bladder (included in full abdominal scan): Bladder wall thickness, volume, and post-void residual are assessed. This is particularly relevant for patients with lower urinary tract symptoms, urinary retention, or recurrent UTIs.

Who Should Get an Abdominal Ultrasound?

You should consider an abdominal ultrasound if you are experiencing any of the following:

• Persistent or recurrent abdominal pain (upper or lower)
• Bloating, nausea, or discomfort after eating, particularly fatty foods
• Abnormal blood tests — elevated liver enzymes (ALT, AST, GGT, ALP), raised bilirubin, abnormal kidney function (creatinine, eGFR)
• Known or suspected gallstones
• Flank or back pain that could indicate kidney stones
• Suspected fatty liver disease (non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, NAFLD, is the most common liver condition in the UK)
• Monitoring of known liver disease, kidney cysts, or other abdominal conditions
• A family history of aortic aneurysm
• Unexplained weight loss or loss of appetite
• You simply want a thorough abdominal health check as part of an executive screening

Not sure if an abdominal scan is right for you? Ask a doctor on WhatsApp — we will help you choose the right investigation.

Abdominal Ultrasound Scans at The Wellness London: Pricing

Every price includes: Doctor-performed scan, verbal debrief during and after the scan, and same-day written report. No hidden fees.

Add-ons available: Blood tests can be added to any scan appointment (from £245) to correlate imaging findings with laboratory results. A pre-scan doctor phone consultation is available for £49.

How to Prepare for Your Abdominal Ultrasound

Preparation is straightforward but important for image quality:

Fasting: You will be asked to fast (no food or drink except water) for approximately 6 hours before your scan. This ensures the gallbladder is fully distended (eating causes it to contract, making it harder to examine) and reduces bowel gas, which can obscure deeper structures like the pancreas.

Water: You can and should drink water normally. For scans that include the bladder, you will be asked to arrive with a comfortably full bladder — drink approximately 500ml of water an hour before your appointment and avoid emptying your bladder.

Medications: Continue taking all regular medications unless specifically instructed otherwise by your doctor.

Clothing: Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. You will need to expose your abdomen from the lower chest to the pelvis.

Clear, scan-specific preparation instructions are emailed to you when you book.

What Happens During the Scan?

You will lie on your back on a comfortable examination bed. The doctor applies warm ultrasound gel to your abdomen and moves the probe across the skin surface. You may be asked to take deep breaths, hold your breath briefly, or turn onto your side to optimise views of certain organs.

Because a GMC-registered doctor is performing your scan at The Wellness, findings are interpreted in real time. Your doctor will point out structures on the monitor, explain what they are seeing, and answer any questions you have during the scan. This is not a silent procedure where you are left wondering — you are actively informed throughout.

The scan takes approximately 20–30 minutes for an upper abdominal ultrasound and up to 40 minutes for a full abdominal and pelvic scan.

After the scan, your doctor discusses the overall findings with you, explains whether anything requires further investigation, and advises on next steps. A formal written report is sent to you within two hours.

What Can an Abdominal Ultrasound Detect?

Here are the most common findings on abdominal ultrasound and what they mean:

Fatty liver (hepatic steatosis): The most common incidental finding on abdominal ultrasound in the UK. The liver appears brighter than normal on ultrasound due to fat infiltration. Mild fatty liver is usually reversible with lifestyle changes. More advanced fatty liver can progress to inflammation (steatohepatitis), fibrosis, and cirrhosis if untreated. Your doctor will advise on grading and management.

Gallstones: Appearing as bright, mobile echoes within the gallbladder that cast acoustic shadows. Gallstones may be asymptomatic (found incidentally) or may cause biliary colic — episodes of severe right upper quadrant pain, often after fatty meals. Your doctor will explain whether your gallstones need treatment.

Kidney stones: Visible as bright echoes within the kidney, sometimes with shadowing. Ultrasound can also detect hydronephrosis (swelling of the kidney caused by obstruction), which indicates the stone may be blocking urine flow.

Kidney cysts: Very common and usually benign. Simple cysts are well-defined, fluid-filled structures. Complex cysts (with internal septations, calcification, or solid components) may require further evaluation.

Liver cysts and haemangiomas: Both are common benign liver lesions. Haemangiomas are the most common benign liver tumour — they are typically incidental findings and rarely require treatment.

Aortic aneurysm: An abdominal aorta measuring more than 3cm is defined as aneurysmal. Small aneurysms (3–5.4cm) are monitored with surveillance ultrasound. Large aneurysms (5.5cm or more) typically require surgical intervention due to rupture risk.

Splenomegaly: An enlarged spleen can indicate liver disease (portal hypertension), blood disorders, or infection.

What Abdominal Ultrasound Cannot Do

Ultrasound is an excellent first-line investigation, but it has limitations that patients should understand:

• Ultrasound cannot see through bone or air-filled structures. Bowel gas can obscure the pancreas in some patients.
• Deeply located structures in patients with a larger body habitus may be harder to visualise clearly.
• Ultrasound cannot definitively diagnose cancer — it identifies suspicious findings that may require further imaging (CT, MRI) or biopsy.
• For some conditions, CT or MRI provides complementary information that ultrasound cannot.

Your doctor will always explain what the scan can and cannot assess for your specific clinical question, and will recommend further investigation if needed.

Why Choose The Wellness for Your Abdominal Ultrasound?

Doctor-performed, not sonographer-only. Every scan is performed by a GMC-registered doctor who interprets findings in real time and explains them to you during the appointment.

Same-day report. Your written report is issued within two hours of your scan. No waiting 48–72 hours.

No referral needed. Book directly online or via WhatsApp. No GP letter required.

Same-day appointments. Subject to availability, you can book and scan on the same day.

All-inclusive pricing. The price you see includes the scan, doctor debrief, and written report. No hidden charges.

Central London location. Near Marylebone and the Harley Street medical district, accessible from all areas of London.

International patients welcome. We serve embassy staff, medical tourists, and international visitors. See our guide to private ultrasound for international patients.

Book Your Abdominal Ultrasound

📱 Book via WhatsApp

📧 Email: team@thewellnesslondon.com

🌐 Book online: thewellnesslondon.com/ultrasound

Frequently Asked Questions

Is an abdominal ultrasound painful? No. It is completely painless. You may feel mild pressure when the probe is pressed against your abdomen, but the scan is non-invasive and comfortable.

How long does it take? 20–40 minutes depending on the number of organs assessed.

Can I eat after the scan? Yes, you can eat and drink normally immediately after your scan.

Will my GP be informed? Only with your consent. You will receive your written report directly. If you would like a copy sent to your GP, we are happy to arrange this.

Can I have an abdominal ultrasound if I am pregnant? Yes, ultrasound is safe in pregnancy. However, please inform the clinic so the doctor can take this into account.

This article was reviewed by the clinical team at The Wellness London. All scans are performed by GMC-registered doctors. Last updated March 2026.

Medical disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.