A femoral hernia occurs when abdominal tissue, such as the intestine or omentum, pushes through a weak spot in the muscle wall into the femoral canal of the upper thigh or groin. While relatively uncommon, femoral hernias are considered high-risk because they can easily become trapped (incarcerated) or lose blood supply (strangulated), requiring emergency surgery.
This page explains what femoral hernias are, why they happen, how to recognize symptoms, and the treatment options available.
What Is a Femoral Hernia?
The femoral canal is a small anatomical space in the upper thigh, just below the groin crease. A femoral hernia occurs when tissue slips into this canal, creating a bulge that may or may not be visible.
- Who is most affected? Femoral hernias are more common in women due to their wider pelvic structure.
- Why are they dangerous? The rigid borders of the femoral canal make femoral hernias more prone to complications compared to other types.
Causes of Femoral Hernia
Some femoral hernias are present at birth due to congenital weakness, but most develop later in life from strain and pressure on the abdominal wall.
Common risk factors include:
- Heavy lifting
- Childbirth
- Severe coughing or straining
- Obesity
Symptoms of Femoral Hernia
One of the challenges with femoral hernias is that they may not show obvious symptoms until they become serious.
Possible signs include:
- Sudden groin or thigh pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Discomfort or swelling when lifting or straining
- A noticeable bulge in the upper thigh (in larger hernias)
Because they can progress quickly to strangulation, even mild symptoms should be taken seriously.
Complications to Watch For
Femoral hernias are associated with higher rates of complications compared to other hernia types:
- Incarcerated femoral hernia: Tissue becomes trapped and cannot be pushed back into place.
- Obstructed femoral hernia: Part of the intestine becomes blocked, causing pain and digestive issues.
- Strangulated femoral hernia: Blood flow to the trapped intestine is cut off. This is a life-threatening emergency. Symptoms include severe abdominal pain, fever, nausea, vomiting, and skin discoloration over the bulge.
How Femoral Hernias Are Diagnosed
Doctors usually begin with a physical examination to check for swelling or tenderness in the groin or thigh. If the diagnosis isn’t clear, imaging tests may be ordered:
- Ultrasound: Good for detecting soft tissue protrusions.
- CT scan: Provides detailed imaging of the abdomen and groin.
- MRI: Useful for complex or unclear cases.
Treatment Options
Unlike some hernias that can be monitored, femoral hernias usually require surgical repair because of their high risk of strangulation.
Open Surgery
- Performed under general anesthesia.
- An incision is made near the hernia site.
- The bulging tissue is pushed back into the abdomen.
- The weakened wall is reinforced with mesh and stitches.
Laparoscopic Surgery
- Several small incisions are made.
- A laparoscope (tiny camera) guides the surgeon.
- Mesh is placed to strengthen the abdominal wall.
- Benefits include smaller scars, less pain, and faster recovery.
Learn About Robotic Hernia Surgery
Risks of Surgery
Hernia repair is generally safe, but potential risks include:
- Temporary leg weakness
- Groin pain or nerve injury
- Bowel injury (rare)
Choosing an experienced hernia surgeon reduces these risks significantly.
Recovery After Femoral Hernia Surgery
- Most patients can walk within a day of surgery.
- Light activity is encouraged to prevent clots and aid healing.
- Full recovery typically takes 2–6 weeks, depending on the surgical method.
- Following post-op instructions helps prevent recurrence.
Expert Hernia Care at Hernia Innovations
Because femoral hernias are rare but potentially serious, proper diagnosis and timely treatment are critical. At Hernia Innovations, our surgeons specialize in advanced laparoscopic and robotic hernia repair to ensure the best possible outcomes.
Call us today at (925) 940-1025 or schedule an appointment online.
Take the Next Step Toward Hernia Relief
If you’re experiencing hernia symptoms or have already been diagnosed, our board-certified hernia specialists are here to help. We’ll evaluate your condition, explain your treatment options, and guide you through the next steps with expert care.
