A femoral hernia is a hernia comparable to an umbilical or inguinal hernia. In a femoral hernia, parts of the intestines from the abdomen enter the thigh through a gap. The hernia usually causes pain, especially if intestines are trapped in the hernial orifice. Surgery is therefore usually necessary. Here you will find further information and selected femoral hernia specialists and centers.
A femoral hernia is also known as a femoral hernia. The term describes the condition when tissue weaknesses below the inguinal ligament can no longer withstand the pressure in the abdominal cavity.
As a result, parts of the organs in the abdominal cavity move outwards through the weak point. A so-called hernia sac forms, which is located on the inside of the thigh next to the large vein.
The so-called omentum majus, a net-like structure on the digestive organs, usually falls into the hernia sac. However, parts of the intestine or ovaries can also be affected.
The danger with a hernia is always an incarceration of the organs. They can then no longer fulfill their function. The gap in a femoral hernia is very narrow and is located in an area of the body that moves a lot. The risk of incarceration is therefore particularly high with this type of hernia.
For the same reasons, the pain associated with a femoral hernia is usually more severe than with an inguinal hernia, for example. Surgery is almost always necessary to prevent damage to the organs and to treat the symptoms.
Illustration of a hernia (general): Parts of the intestine shift outwards through a gap in the tissue © blueringmedia | AdobeStock
The majority of women who suffer a femoral hernia are older; men are very rarely affected. Heavily overweight women are particularly at risk. However, previous pregnancies or weak connective tissue also increase the risk.
If men are affected, a previous hernia operation is usually the cause. Good follow-up is therefore necessary after such operations.
A typical symptom of a femoral hernia is a palpable bulge or swelling on the thigh. However, this bulge is often barely recognizable or may even be completely absent, especially in patients who are very overweight. This makes diagnosis more difficult.
The same symptoms do not always occur. Some patients have no symptoms at all for a long time. Possible symptoms are
If the prolapsed organs are trapped, severe pain usually occurs. This pain radiates from the groin to the thigh and gets worse with exertion. With such symptoms, immediate surgery is usually necessary to prevent damage to the organs.
In addition to questioning and palpation, the doctor also uses ultrasound examinations to make a diagnosis. These usually provide a clear picture and help to differentiate between other problems.
However, a femoral hernia is not always the cause. A swollen lymph node can also cause symptoms similar to those of a femoral hernia.
If a femoral hernia has occurred, the doctor usually advises an operation as part of so-called hernia surgery. If severe symptoms are already present, the operation is urgent and usually necessary as an emergency.
But even if there are no symptoms yet, the gap in the tissue should be closed as quickly as possible. The aim is then to prevent the prolapsed organ parts from becoming trapped.
Various surgical methods are possible. Which one is suitable in each individual case depends
condition of the patient. Some surgical procedures are invasive ("open", i.e. an incision has to be made), others are minimally invasive (where the smallest incisions are made using the "keyhole technique").
In all cases, the doctors carefully push the contents of the hernia sac back into place during the operation and then close the hernial orifice. A plastic mesh can also be used for reinforcement. This reduces the risk of another femoral hernia occurring at a later date.
Serious complications rarely occur during surgery. As with any operation, wound infections or bleeding are possible. In rare cases, embolisms (vascular occlusions) can also occur, which can be dangerous if not treated. For this reason, you should always inform your doctor immediately if you experience sudden discomfort after an operation.
With careful surgery and aftercare, thigh urinary incontinence usually disappears permanently. Only in about one to ten percent of cases does the femoral hernia recur.
If you have diffuse pain in the groin, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible to rule out a femoral hernia. Modern surgical methods usually solve the problem quickly.
