Femoral Hernia

A femoral hernia is a loop of intestine, or another part of the abdominal contents, that has been forced out of the abdomen through a channel called the “femoral canal” - a tube-shaped passage at the top of the front of the thigh. The loop is usually only the size of a grape.

A femoral hernia occurs when there is a weakness in the tissues under the main groin ligament. More common in females because it appears that pregnancy may weaken the abdominal tissues. Sufferers will sometimes become aware of a small swelling close to the pubic bone in the groin.

If the hernia contains bowel there is a high chance of the bowel twisting or obstructing causing a bowel obstruction. This needs urgent assessment and repair.

A femoral hernia can cause serious medical problems if left untreated, even if there are no troublesome symptoms to begin with. Treatment is by an operation to return the herniated intestine to its proper place and close the weakness in the abdominal wall.

The femoral canal, through which a femoral hernia is squeezed, is next to the point where the blood vessels and nerves pass from the abdomen into the leg. It is a potential weak spot in the abdominal wall.

Intestine (bowel), or the tissue that covers it, is more likely to be forced out through the femoral canal if a weakness already exists. Increasing the pressure inside the abdomen, by activities such as standing up, coughing or straining can then trigger a hernia. Other factors that make a femoral hernia more likely to develop include:

- Being very overweight (obese)
- Having smoker's cough
- Constipation
- Carrying or pushing heavy loads