We have already talked a lot about hernias on this site – the various types, their symptoms, and treatment options. In this article, we are going to focus solely on the femoral hernia. Femoral hernias are much less common than inguinal hernias accounting for about three to five percent of groin hernias. We will talk about what sets the femoral hernia apart from other types of hernias, and most importantly – we’ll discuss how to identify and treat the condition.
Femoral Hernia vs. Other Hernias
A femoral hernia occurs in the upper part of the thigh or groin when a part of your small intestine or other abdominal contents pushes into the femoral canal. The femoral canal is a naturally occurring structure between the femoral vessels and the pubic bone. Femoral hernias differ from other types of hernias (inguinal, umbilical, etc.) because of the location at which they occur. They can be caused by improper lifting techniques, acute trauma, childbirth, chronic coughing, and other factors.
The symptoms of a femoral hernia can include any of the following:
- Pain in the upper thigh or groin area
- Nausea and vomiting
- A bulge near your upper thigh or groin
Femoral hernias can range greatly in size bur are usually fairly small. With small femoral hernias, a patient may not even notice any symptoms. On the other end of the spectrum, incarcerated or trapped femoral hernias can impact the intestines and cut off blood flow. These hernias require emergency surgery.
Treating Femoral Hernias
Femoral hernias can be difficult to diagnose, as their symptoms can indicate many conditions. They are also often mistaken for inguinal hernias. When then are accurately diagnosed, it will most likely need to be repaired surgically. The symptoms can be mitigated with conservative treatments, but they simply delay the inevitable.
Whatever the case, if you are experiencing signs of a femoral hernia – don’t hesitate to make an appointment with your physician. Waiting will only make matters worse. If your doctor diagnoses you with a femoral hernia, they will likely refer you to a general surgeon who specializes in hernia repair.
