A femoral hernia is a type of hernia that occurs when a portion of the intestine or other abdominal contents protrudes through the femoral canal, which is a small opening in the groin area near the top of the thigh bone. Femoral hernias are more common in women than men and can cause pain and discomfort in the groin area.
Unfortunately, a femoral hernia cannot be managed medically, and surgical repair is typically the only effective treatment. This is because a femoral hernia occurs when abdominal contents, such as a portion of the intestine, protrude through a weakened area in the groin and become trapped, which can lead to serious complications such as bowel obstruction or strangulation.
While it may be possible to manage some symptoms associated with a femoral hernia, such as pain or discomfort, through medication or other conservative measures, these treatments will not address the underlying problem and will not prevent the hernia from getting worse or causing serious complications.
The symptoms of a femoral hernia can vary, but some common signs and symptoms include:
A femoral hernia occurs when a portion of the intestine or other abdominal contents protrude through the femoral canal, which is a small opening in the groin area near the top of the thigh bone. The exact cause of femoral hernias is not always known, but they are more common in women than men and can be associated with certain risk factors, such as:
Pregnancy: The increased pressure on the abdominal area during pregnancy can cause a weakness in the femoral canal, leading to a hernia.
Obesity: The extra weight and pressure on the abdominal area can also increase the risk of developing a femoral hernia.
Heavy Lifting: Repeatedly lifting heavy objects can put a strain on the abdominal muscles, causing a hernia to develop.
Chronic Cough or Constipation: Straining during bowel movements or coughing can put pressure on the abdominal area and increase the risk of developing a hernia.
Previous Hernia Repair: People who have had a previous hernia repair may be at increased risk of developing another hernia, including a femoral hernia.
There are two main surgical options for femoral hernia repair:
In this procedure, the surgeon makes a small incision in the groin area and carefully pushes the protruding tissue back into the abdomen. They then reinforce the weakened area with a mesh patch, which helps to prevent the hernia from recurring. This procedure is performed under general anesthesia and may require a short hospital stay for observation and recovery.
This is a minimally invasive procedure in which the surgeon makes several small incisions in the abdomen and inserts a laparoscope, which is a thin tube with a camera attached. This allows the surgeon to view the hernia on a monitor and perform the repair using small instruments. A mesh patch is typically used to reinforce the weakened area. This procedure may have a shorter recovery time and less pain than open repair, but it may not be appropriate for all patients depending on the size and location of the hernia.