Femoral hernia

Femoral Hernia

A femoral hernia is a specific type of hernia that results from the protrusion of the contents of the abdominal cavity through a weak area in the posterior wall of the femoral canal. This typically occurs just inferior to the inguinal ligament.

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Diagram showing the location of a femoral hernia relative to the inguinal ligament.

Anatomy of the Femoral Canal

The femoral canal is a space located in the front of the upper thigh, immediately below the inguinal ligament and lateral to the pubic tubercle. It is the smallest compartment in the femoral sheath, which also houses the femoral artery, vein, and nerve.

Causes of Femoral Hernia

The root cause of a femoral hernia is the protrusion of abdominal contents, usually a part of the intestine, into the femoral canal. This can be due to several factors:

• Increased intra-abdominal pressure: This can arise from pregnancy, obesity, heavy lifting, or chronic cough.
• Aging: As one gets older, muscles and connective tissues may weaken, creating a susceptibility to hernias.
• Congenital defects: Some people may be born with weak abdominal walls or defects in the femoral canal.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

The appearance of a femoral hernia is usually a lump or swelling in the groin area. Symptoms might include:

• Pain or discomfort in the groin, especially when lifting heavy objects.
• A feeling of heaviness in the groin.
• In severe cases, intestinal obstruction symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.

Diagnosis is typically based on a physical examination. Imaging studies such as an ultrasound or a CT scan might be used to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment options for femoral hernia include:

• Watchful waiting: If the hernia is small and not causing any symptoms, the doctor may recommend monitoring it.
• Surgery: This is the primary treatment for femoral hernias. The procedure involves pushing the protruding tissue back into place and possibly using a mesh to strengthen the area.

Complications

If left untreated, a femoral hernia can lead to complications:

• Strangulation: This occurs when the blood supply to the herniated tissue is cut off, leading to tissue death.
• Intestinal obstruction: The protruding intestine can become blocked, leading to digestive issues.

See Also

• Inguinal hernia
• Umbilical hernia

References

• [1] Smith, J. (2021). Abdominal Hernias: Types and Treatment. Medical Journal.
• [2] Rodriguez, L. (2022). Hernias of the Groin and Pelvis. Health Encyclopedia.

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Source: Data courtesy of the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Since the data might have changed, please query MeSH on Femoral hernia for any updates.

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