See general information on hernia here.

A femoral hernia is a hernia in the groin area.
It often presents as a small swelling just below the groin crease, and is often mistakenly thought of as a swelling on the inside of the top of the thigh.

Small to moderate hernias
These hernias are quite often asymptomatic—with no pain or bulge. Because of this, femoral hernias are ‘dangerous’, as they may only become noticeable with strangulation, which is a surgical emergency.

Large hernias
These may present as a bulge in the groin near the upper thigh. There will be discomfort or pain in the groin area. It is also possible to feel some pain in the hip area too.

Strangulated hernia
The patient presents with:

• severe groin pain that occurs suddenly
• nausea, vomiting
• abdominal bloating/distention
• a very tender lump may be apparent.

This is a surgical emergency

Female
70 % of femoral hernia occurs in female. This is probably due to the larger female pelvis, hence a larger femoral canal.

Middle age

Chronic straining of the abdominal muscles causing a weakening of the muscular wall. Factors that can precipitate chronic abdominal wall straining include:

• obesity
• pregnancy
• repeated heavy lifting
• chronic coughing.

Femoral hernias may be repaired through an open or laparoscopic (keyhole) repair.

The incision is at the groin crease.  The hernia is identified and reduced.  The hernia defect is then closed by inserting a small mesh plug that is sutured in place or simple direct sutures. The skin is then closed with absorbable suture.

Three small cuts are made in the skin above the groin.

The space behind the muscular layer (called the extraperitoneal space) is enlarged with special surgical balloons. A telescopic camera is used to visualise and locate the hernia. This is then ‘reduced’ (returned to its normal place).

A mesh is then placed to cover the hernia defect. The skin incisions are then closed with absorbable sutures.

This is down within the intraperitoneal cavity (the stomach cavity).

Three incisions are made in abdominal wall above the groin crease. The peritoneum is inflated with gas. The hernia is identified and reduced (pulled back into the cavity).
An incision is made in the peritoneal sac above the hernia defect and the peritoneum is reflected (pulled away) from the overlying muscles.

The hernia defect is sutured closed and a piece of mesh is typically placed.
The peritoneum is then replaced and secured over the mesh. The skin incisions are then closed with absorbable sutures.

Each approach has its own advantages and disadvantages, which will be discussed in detail at your consultation session. The greatest risk of undergoing hernia repair is that the hernia can come back (recurrence).

Fortunately, the recurrence rate is low with modern surgical techniques performed by experienced dedicated hernia surgeons.

The patient should expect to have some discomfort for one to two weeks. Therefore the patient will be discharged home with some oral pain relief. Patient is strongly encouraged to take regular pain relief in the first 7 days.

The only restriction in physical activity is not to do any heavy lifting for 3 weeks for a patient who has had an open hernia repair.
Patients who have had a laparoscopic hernia repair should not do any heavy lifting for 4 weeks. Please ask for more information.

Caution is also advised when participating in exercise.

The post-op care consultant will contact the patient 3–4 day after discharge from hospital.

The patient is typically reviewed 2–3 weeks after the operation.

Please also see: Hernia – overview