Femoral Hernia

Hernia

A Femoral hernia is the next most common type after Inguinal. They occur lower down into the top of the leg, are more common in women and usually smaller than Inguinal hernias.

Advert

Femoral Hernia symptoms

  • You will have a lump or swelling in the groin area.
  • The lump will be slightly below that of an Inguinal hernia, although it is nearly impossible to tell sometimes.
  • Pain in the groin is usually felt when exercising.
  • Coughing and sneezing may not trigger pain as often as an inguinal.

What is a Femoral hernia?

Ten percent of all hernias are thought to be femoral. They occur when part of the internal tissue which can include fat, muscle or intestines, bulge through a weakness in the overlying abdominal wall.

A Femoral hernia will look like swelling in your upper thigh or front of your hip. They occur just below Inguinal ones, at a weak point called the femoral canal. They are more common in women, especially older and frail women.

Treatment

  • You should see a doctor immediately if you suspect you have a hernia. It will not get better through rest and a doctor or surgeon will need to operate to repair the damage.
  • Operations should be performed at the earliest convenience to avoid potentially more serious complications.

Strangulated hernia

The tissues are at risk of complications such as strangulation or pinching. If left, this can cause intestinal blockages which may cut off the blood supply. This will eventually result in tissue death and potentially fatal consequences. So if you think you may have one, seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Scroll to Top