A femoral hernia, also called femorocele, is a type of hernia that occurs in the femoral canal of the human body. The protrusion of the abdomen content through the femoral canal characterizes a femoral hernia.
There are upgraded medical technologies available to treat femoral hernias today. So, if you are diagnosed with a femoral hernia, you do not have to worry. Grasp adequate knowledge of femoral hernia and prepare for the treatment without fear.
Understanding of Femoral Hernia
A femoral hernia occurs when the content of the abdomen slips through a weak spot in the abdominal wall and passes through the femoral canal.
The femoral canal is in the inner thigh region parallel to the pubic bone and consists of the femoral artery, veins, and nerves.
The content of the femoral hernia consists of the omentum or parts of the bowels.
Symptoms of Femoral Hernia
If the femoral hernia is small and reducible, it does not cause much pain. You can manage an asymptomatic hernia without treatment.
When the femoral hernia is large, it can be highly discomforting and cause pain when you stand for long or lift heavy objects.
A large femoral hernia is visible as a bulge on the body’s surface.
Symptoms of a severe femoral hernia include
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Severe abdominal pain
- Severe groin pain, etc.
Causes of Femoral Hernia
A femoral hernia is caused by:
- Pregnancy weight
- Obesity
- Weak abdominal wall
- Chronic constipation
- Heavy lifting, etc.
Femoral Hernia Complications
A femoral hernia is not complicated until it turns symptomatic and incarcerated or strangulated.
An obstructed or strangulated femoral hernia can turn fatal and call for immediate medical attention.
Obstructed Femoral Hernia
An obstructed femoral hernia indicates that the content of the hernia is stuck inside the femoral canal and cannot return to its original position.
Strangulated Femoral Hernia
A strangulated hernia means that the content of the hernia is stuck in the femoral canal and the blood supply is cut. This can cause the death of the tissues in the region and turn fatal.
Treatment for Femoral Hernia
There are both surgical and non-surgical options available to treat femoral hernia.
Surgical Options
Surgical options for treating a femoral hernia include:
- Laparoscopic surgery
- Open surgery
- Robotic surgery
Laparoscopic and robotic surgery are minimally invasive and widely preferred. Open surgery is preferred in complicated scenarios.
In femoral hernia surgery, the contents of the hernia are pushed back to the original position, and the hole is meshed to prevent future hernia.
Non-Surgical Options
The non-surgical option is available only for the femoral hernia that is small, asymptomatic, and bearable.
You would have to follow the advice of the hernia specialist regarding this case on how to take care of a femoral hernia without surgery.
Also, take the prescribed medication to ease the possible discomfort of the hernia and prevent the hernia from getting severe.
Recovery Time After Femoral Hernia Treatment
If minimal invasive techniques are employed to treat the femoral hernia, you can recover within two weeks of surgery. With minimally invasive technology, the recovery period is quicker, with little post-surgical pain as well.
Conclusion
Women are more prone to femoral hernia than men. Small femoral hernias are asymptomatic most of the time. But when it gets large and the severity of discomfort increases, you may have to consult a hernia specialist and get treated to prevent incarceration or strangulation.
To stay carefree from femoral hernia, adopt a healthy lifestyle and diet, exercise, and maintain a healthy BMI (Body Mass Index). You can always undertake a hernia repair if required.
To know more about femoral hernia and how to treat it, consult a hernia specialist.
