Femoral hernias are a type of groin hernia that occurs mostly in women.
Femoral hernias are characterized by the abdominal content protruding through the femoral canal. Women are more prone to the abdominal content passing through the femoral canal because of their wide pelvis
Femoral hernias are asymptomatic most of the time. But when it does it requires urgent surgical intervention due to obstruction or strangulation.
Are Femoral Hernias Common in Women?
Yes, femoral hernias are more common in women than in men. The femoral canal lies below the inguinal canal in the upper part of the inner thigh parallel to the pubic bone. Because of the wider pelvic size of women, the contents of the abdomen slip through the femoral canal more often.
Understanding Femoral Hernias
The weak spot in the abdominal wall may give way to the content of the abdomen to descend into the femoral canal. This causes femoral hernias. The content of the abdomen may contain the omentum or parts of the bowels.
The femoral canal consists of the femoral artery, veins, and nerves, and due to its narrow space, it causes easy incarceration or strangulation of the hernia.
Causes and Risk Factors of Femoral Hernia in Women
Femoral hernia in women may be caused due to factors such as
- Weak abdominal muscles
- Multiple pregnancies
- Obesity
- Heavy lifting
- Strenuous activities
- Chronic constipation
- Chronic cough
Incarceration and strangulation turn the hernia into a risk factor. Incarceration is when the content of the hernia gets stuck in the femoral canal and cannot return to its original place. Strangulation refers to the cut-off of blood supply to the tissues stuck in the hernia leading to death.
Incarcerated and strangulated hernia demand immediate medical intervention.
Symptoms and Complications of Femoral Hernia in Women
Femoral hernias are asymptomatic most of the time. It can identified through bulging near the upper part of the inner thigh near the groin area.
When the hernia is small and reducible it causes no discomfort. When it gets symptomatic and discomforting it means that the hernia is either being incarcerated or strangulated.
A strangulated or incarcerated hernia can be identified through
- Frequent vomiting
- Nausea
- Chronic local and abdominal pain
Treatment for Femoral Hernia in Women
Femoral hernias though symptomatic or asymptomatic must be operated upon on diagnosis without delay. This is because femoral hernias can get strangulated easily due to the narrow femoral canal.
The surgical options available to repair femoral hernias include
- Open surgery
- Laparoscopic surgery
- Robotic surgery
Recovery from Femoral Hernia Repair
Surgeons prescribe laparoscopic surgery most often unless an open surgery is required. With minimally invasive surgeries such as laparoscopic and robotic surgeries the recovery period is often less along with fewer post-operative complications.
It may take more than a month for full recovery from the surgery. But a two-week rest is sufficient to return to routine work. You can also take up driving after stopping pain medications.
Prevention and Lifestyle Modifications
Femoral hernias may occur unexpectedly. But making sure that your abdominal wall is strong enough to hold its contents inside can be a good way of making sure that hernia is prevented.
Bad lifestyle habits also influence hernia development. So make sure to
- Eat a balanced and healthy diet
- Avoid strenuous activities
- Do moderate exercises
- Maintain a healthy BMI (Body Mass Index)
- Address chronic cough and constipation, etc.
Conclusion
Femoral hernia is a less common groin hernia and women are more prone to it. A femoral hernia becomes complicated only when it gets incarcerated or strangulated.
Femoral hernias can be repaired through minimally invasive surgeries and it is best to operate on them as early as possible.
Avoiding straining the femoral hernia region and focusing on improving overall health can help relieve the discomfort caused due to femoral hernia
To know more about femoral hernias caused in women and how to prevent them, contact a hernia specialist.
