Overview
Femoral hernias are relatively rare, accounting for only 3% of all
hernias and approximately 6% of all groin hernias. Surgical intervention is
typically necessary due to the potential for severe complications.
This article will provide you with all facts about the causes and
symptoms of femoral hernias, along with the risk factors that can increase the
possibility of developing this condition.
What is femoral hernia?
A femoral hernia occurs when internal tissues, such as part of the
bowel, protrude through a weak point in the muscle wall of the groin or inner
thigh. It is characterized by symptoms like a tender or painful lump,
discomfort in the groin area, abdominal pain, and other potential signs.
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Symptoms
These hernias develop when tissue pushes through a weak spot into
the femoral canal which is located at the top of the inner thigh. Common
symptoms include
- Vomiting
- Groin
discomfort
- A
lump in the inner or groin thigh
- Abdominal
pain
Causes
The exact reason for the femoral hernia is often unknown. A person
may be born with a structurally weak muscle wall in the area. Femoral hernias
can also result from straining or excess pressure due to:
- giving
birth - having obesity
- receiving
peritoneal dialysis, (treatment for kidney disease) - having
difficulty passing urine or stool - lifting
or pushing heavy objects - having
a persistent, strong
cough - having
ascites, a buildup of abdominal fluid
Femoral hernia in females
Femoral hernias often occur in females, especially in older women,
ascribed to the wider structure of the female pelvis. On the contrary, inguinal
hernias, which are more common, affect the lower abdominal wall muscle, and
they differ from femoral hernias in terms of their location and occurrence
rates in males and females.
Diagnosis
If you have a femoral hernia you should receive medical attention
quickly as a
complications that may be serious.
Your health expert will examine the area, and they may also order
imaging tests, such as MRI scan, ultrasound, or CT scan. These help them see
the position of the internal tissues and distinguish between inguinal and
femoral hernias.
Treatment
Complications
If left femoral hernias untreated or not addressed promptly, it
can lead to complications like obstruction, incarceration, or strangulation.
Strangulated femoral hernias are particularly dangerous, causing sudden and
severe pain, fever, rapid heart rate, changes in skin color around the bulge,
and vomiting. Immediate surgical intervention is necessary to prevent
life-threatening consequences.
Surgery
Surgery is the standard treatment for moderate to severe femoral
hernias, and there are two types: open surgery and laparoscopic surgery. Open
surgery involves making an incision in the groin area, while laparoscopic
surgery is a minimally invasive approach with smaller incisions.
Surgical hernia repair
While femoral hernia repair surgeries are generally safe, like any
surgical procedure, they carry some risks, including bleeding, blood clots,
injury to internal organs, and potential complications from anesthesia. The
recovery period after surgery involves limiting activities, taking pain
medication, maintaining a healthy diet, and caring for the wound.
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Complications and risk of surgery
Surgery for a femoral hernia is usually safe still any surgery
carries some level of risk.
Complications, while unusual, can include:
- scarring
- difficulty
passing urine
- nerve
damage around the incisions
- side
effects of general anesthesia
- bleeding
or bruising at the incision sites
- blood
clots
- difficulty
passing urine
- injury
to internal organs
- nerve
damage around the incisions
- temporary
leg weakness
- wound
infection
Older adults are more frequently experience complications
than younger people.
