A femoral hernia occurs when tissue, such as a part of the intestine, protrudes through a weak spot in the groyne or into the top of the thigh. Unlike other types of hernias, femoral hernias are more common in women than men.
“Protuberances form around the groyne in the upper region of the thigh, where the femoral aorta passes. It is found to be more common in women than in men,” said Dr Gaurav Maheshwari, Head and Sr. Consultant - Surgical Gastroenterology at Paras Hospitals, Panchkula. Here's an overview of the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for femoral hernias:
Causes Of Femoral Hernia
Weakness in the Groyne Area
Femoral hernias often develop due to a weakness or opening in the muscle wall of the groyne or thigh region. This weakness can be present at birth or can develop over time due to factors such as ageing, pregnancy, or strain from heavy lifting or persistent coughing.
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Increased Intra-Abdominal Pressure
Anything that increases pressure within the abdomen, such as obesity, constipation, chronic coughing, or heavy lifting, can contribute to the development of a femoral hernia by pushing tissue through the weak spot in the muscle wall.
Symptoms
- Visible Bulge: A noticeable bulge or lump in the groyne or upper thigh area, which may become more prominent when standing, coughing, or straining.
- Discomfort or Pain: Pain or discomfort in the groyne or thigh area, especially when bending over, lifting heavy objects, or straining during bowel movements or urination.
- Nausea and Vomiting: In some cases, a femoral hernia can lead to nausea, vomiting, and a feeling of fullness or pressure in the abdomen.
- Inability to Push the Hernia Back In: Unlike some other types of hernias, femoral hernias often cannot be pushed back into place or reduced manually.
Treatment Of Hernia
“Are you aware that not all hernias require treatment? Because it depends on how the hernia affects you. Depending on the size and symptoms of the hernia, surgery may be necessary. Strangulated hernias require immediate treatment to avoid further complications. Strangulated hernias occur when the bulging intestines become trapped in the abdominal wall's gaps. Less invasive surgery or standard procedures such as laparoscopy are performed,” said Dr Maheshwari. “Mesh plugs are inserted into the weaker intestinal walls to completely block the protrusion. Nowadays, you can leave the hospital the same day because the recovery time following surgery is shorter,” he added.
If the femoral hernia is small and not causing any symptoms, your doctor may recommend a watch-and-wait approach, monitoring the hernia for any changes over time.
Surgical repair is usually recommended for femoral hernias to prevent complications such as incarceration, when the hernia becomes trapped and cannot be pushed back in or strangulation, when blood flow to the trapped tissue is cut off, leading to tissue damage or death. Surgery typically involves pushing the protruding tissue back into place and repairing the weakened muscle wall with stitches or mesh.
Lifestyle Modifications
Making lifestyle changes such as losing weight, avoiding heavy lifting, treating constipation, and quitting smoking can help reduce the risk of developing or worsening a femoral hernia.
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Medication
In some cases, your doctor may prescribe medication to manage symptoms such as pain or discomfort associated with the hernia.
Femoral hernias require medical attention, especially if they cause symptoms or complications. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent serious complications and improve outcomes. If you suspect you have a femoral hernia or are experiencing symptoms suggestive of one, it's important to consult a healthcare professional for evaluation and appropriate management.