Femoral Hernia: Understanding This Less Common Type

Don't let a small hernia cause big problems. Hernias are a relatively common occurrence, affecting millions of people worldwide. However, there are different types of hernias, and some are more prevalent than others. Today, we'll explore femoral hernias, a less common but potentially problematic type.

What is a femoral hernia?

A hernia occurs when an organ or tissue pushes through a weak spot in the muscle or connective tissue that normally holds it in place. In the case of a femoral hernia, this protrusion happens in the femoral canal, a narrow passage located in the groin area just below the inguinal canal (where inguinal hernias occur). This canal allows blood vessels and lymph vessels to pass from the abdomen to the leg.

Femoral hernias are much less frequent than inguinal hernias, accounting for only about 3% of all hernias.

Why is a femoral hernia less common?

The size and location of the femoral canal play a significant role in the rarity of femoral hernias. It's simply a much smaller opening compared to the inguinal canal. Additionally, muscles and tissues naturally surround the femoral canal, offering extra support and minimizing the chance of a protrusion.

Who is most at risk of developing a femoral hernia?

While anyone can develop a femoral hernia, certain factors increase the risk:

• Gender: Women are significantly more prone to femoral hernias than men. This is due to the female pelvis's wider shape, which creates a larger femoral canal.
• Age: As we get older, our muscles naturally weaken, increasing the risk of hernias of all types, including femoral hernias.
• Chronic Strain: Individuals who engage in activities that put repeated strain on the abdominal and groin areas are at higher risk. This includes heavy lifting, chronic coughing, or obesity.
• Previous Surgery: Abdominal surgeries can sometimes create weaknesses in the abdominal wall, increasing the chance of hernias, including femoral hernias.

What are the symptoms of a femoral hernia?

Femoral hernias can sometimes be asymptomatic, especially in the early stages. However, as the hernia grows, some common symptoms may arise:

• A bulge in the upper thigh near the groin, often becoming more noticeable when coughing, straining, or standing for long periods of time.
• Discomfort or pain in the groin area, especially with physical activity or exertion.
• A feeling of heaviness or dragging in the groin.
• Rarely, strangulation of the protruding tissue (cutting off the blood supply) can cause nausea, vomiting, or bowel obstruction.

Why is it important to diagnose a femoral hernia early?

Early diagnosis and treatment of a femoral hernia are crucial. While not all femoral hernias require immediate surgery, neglecting a hernia can lead to complications like:

• Strangulation: This occurs when the protruding tissue loses blood supply, causing severe pain and tissue death, and potentially requiring emergency surgery.
• Incarceration: The hernia becomes trapped and cannot be pushed back into place, leading to discomfort and potentially requiring surgical intervention.
• Bowel Obstruction: In rare instances, a femoral hernia can obstruct the intestine, causing problems with digestion and waste elimination.

How is a femoral hernia diagnosed?

Diagnosing a femoral hernia typically involves a physical examination by your doctor. They will feel a bulge in the groin area and may ask you to cough or strain to see if the bulge becomes more prominent. In certain cases, they may use imaging tests like an ultrasound or CT scan to confirm the diagnosis and assess the size and location of the hernia.

What are the treatment options for a femoral hernia?

Femoral hernias rarely resolve on their own and typically require surgery to repair the weak spot in the muscle wall and push the protruding tissue back into place. There are two main surgical approaches:

• Open Repair Surgery: This traditional method involves making an incision in the groin area, allowing the surgeon to access the hernia and repair the weakness with stitches or surgical mesh.
• Laparoscopic Surgery: This minimally invasive technique inserts a laparoscope, a thin, lighted instrument, through a small abdominal incision. The surgeon can then visualize the hernia and repair it with mesh using small instruments inserted through additional tiny incisions.

Laparoscopic surgery often comes with advantages like faster recovery times, less pain, and smaller scars. However, your doctor will determine the best approach based on the size and location of the hernia, as well as your overall health.

Read more on: The Ultimate Guide to Hernia Surgery

When should you see a doctor about a suspected femoral hernia?

If you experience a bulge in your groin area, especially with pain or discomfort, it's crucial to schedule an appointment with one of our doctors to get a proper diagnosis. Early intervention can prevent complications and ensure a smooth recovery.