Femoral hernias
Femoral Hernia Repair and Treatment
Prompt specialist assessment for femoral hernias, with open and keyhole repair options considered according to your individual needs.
Overview
Understanding femoral hernias
A femoral hernia is a groin hernia that appears near the crease between the lower abdomen and upper thigh. It is less common than an inguinal hernia but has a higher risk of becoming trapped, so surgical repair is often recommended.
When to seek urgent help
A tender, painful or irreducible groin lump, especially with vomiting, abdominal swelling, fever or skin colour change, should be assessed urgently.
What is a femoral hernia?
A femoral hernia occurs when tissue pushes through the femoral canal, producing a lump in the upper thigh or groin crease. It can be painful and may be mistaken for an inguinal hernia.
Who commonly presents with a femoral hernia?
Femoral hernias are more common in women and become more common with age. Pregnancy, weight gain, chronic cough, constipation and heavy lifting can increase pressure in the groin area.
Femoral hernia symptoms
Symptoms can include a lump in the groin or upper thigh, groin pain, discomfort when standing, coughing or lifting, and a heavy dragging sensation.
Why femoral hernias need assessment
Femoral hernias can become incarcerated or strangulated. This means the hernia contents become trapped and, in some cases, the blood supply to bowel or fat can be compromised.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is usually made by clinical examination. Ultrasound or CT may be used if the lump is difficult to identify or the diagnosis is uncertain.
Femoral hernia repair
Planned repair can be performed using an open incision or a laparoscopic keyhole approach. Emergency repair may be needed for a painful irreducible femoral hernia.
Recovery after femoral hernia surgery
Many patients are discharged the same day. Gentle mobilisation is encouraged and a gradual return to normal activity is advised depending on the operation and individual recovery.
Risks
Risks can include wound infection, bruising, recurrence, ongoing discomfort and, in emergency cases, risks related to bowel involvement.
Frequently asked questions
Femoral hernia FAQs
Why are femoral hernias treated more urgently than some other hernias?
Femoral hernias have a higher risk of becoming trapped or strangulated because the femoral canal is narrow.
Are femoral hernias more common in women?
Yes. Femoral hernias are more common in women and become more likely with increasing age, although they can also occur in men.
Can a femoral hernia be repaired with keyhole surgery?
Yes. In suitable patients, laparoscopic repair may be an option. Open repair may be preferred in urgent cases or where the hernia is trapped.
What symptoms need emergency attention?
Severe groin pain, a lump that cannot be pushed back, vomiting, abdominal swelling, fever or skin colour change over the hernia require urgent medical assessment.
What is the treatment for a femoral hernia?
Femoral hernias are usually treated with surgical repair because they have a relatively high risk of becoming trapped or strangulated.
Specialist care in Manchester
Book a consultation with Mr Christian Macutkiewicz
Arrange a private consultation at Spire Manchester Hospital to discuss your symptoms, diagnosis and treatment options.
Hernia Clinic Manchester 