Femoral Hernia

A femoral hernia is a rare kind of hernia that is located in the upper part of the inner thigh or groin. This is what happens when a weak spot in the femoral canal allows a section of tissue to push through it. While the majority of these hernias are symptomless, the possibility of strangulation – when the hernia blocks off the flow of blood – means that surgery may become necessary. The smallest femoral hernias might not be detectable to the eye, but others will produce a bulge on the upper leg, near the hip. If a femoral hernia becomes suddenly and severely symptomatic with major groin or stomach pain, nausea and vomiting, this may indicate that a complication called strangulation is occurring and immediate medical help should be sought. Surgery to repair a femoral hernia is usually done with the patient under general anesthesia and can be performed via an “open” procedure or via minimally invasive laparoscopy.