A femoral hernia occurs when abdominal tissue pushes through a weak area and enters the femoral canal near the upper inner thigh or groin. Femoral hernias are relatively uncommon, but they are important to diagnose because they have a greater risk of becoming trapped or losing their blood supply than some other types of hernias.
Femoral hernias are more common in women and may cause a lump, groin discomfort, or no noticeable symptoms at all. Because complications can occur, a suspected femoral hernia should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
What Is a Femoral Hernia?
The femoral canal is a small space in the upper inner thigh near the groin. It contains lymphatic vessels and lies next to major blood vessels that travel into the leg.
A femoral hernia develops when fatty tissue or part of the intestine pushes through a weakened area of the abdominal wall and into this canal.
The resulting bulge may appear in the upper thigh or groin, although smaller femoral hernias may not be easy to see or feel.
Who Is Most Likely to Develop a Femoral Hernia?
Femoral hernias are more common in women than men.
Factors that may increase pressure on the lower abdominal wall or contribute to the development of a femoral hernia include:
- Pregnancy and childbirth
- Chronic coughing
- Constipation and repeated straining
- Obesity
- Heavy lifting or pushing
- Other activities that repeatedly increase abdominal pressure
A femoral hernia may also develop without an obvious cause.
What Are the Symptoms of a Femoral Hernia?
Some femoral hernias do not cause symptoms initially.
When symptoms occur, they may include:
- A lump or bulge in the groin or upper inner thigh
- Aching or discomfort in the groin
- Sudden or sharp groin or upper-thigh pain
- Symptoms that worsen with lifting or straining
- Lower abdominal discomfort
A femoral hernia can sometimes be mistaken for another groin condition because of its location.
Femoral Hernia vs. Inguinal Hernia: What Is the Difference?
Femoral and inguinal hernias both occur near the groin, but they develop through different anatomical areas.
Because the two can be difficult to distinguish based on symptoms alone, an examination may be needed to identify the type of hernia.
Learn more about inguinal hernias.
Why Can a Femoral Hernia Be Serious?
Femoral hernias develop within a relatively narrow anatomical space. Tissue that enters this area can become trapped more easily than with some other hernia types.
Potential complications include:
- Incarceration: Tissue becomes trapped within the hernia and cannot move back into the abdomen.
- Bowel obstruction: A trapped portion of intestine may prevent normal movement through the bowel.
- Strangulation: Pressure on trapped tissue cuts off its blood supply.
A strangulated hernia is a medical emergency because tissue can be damaged when it no longer receives adequate blood flow.
How Is a Femoral Hernia Diagnosed?
Diagnosis usually begins with a physical examination.
A healthcare provider may examine the groin and upper thigh while you are standing or lying down and may ask whether the lump changes during coughing, lifting, or straining.
Because femoral hernias can sometimes be difficult to distinguish from inguinal hernias, enlarged lymph nodes, blood vessel problems, and other causes of groin lumps, imaging may be used when the diagnosis is uncertain.
Possible tests include:
- Ultrasound
- CT scan
- MRI in selected cases
Does a Femoral Hernia Need Surgery?
Femoral hernias are generally treated with surgical repair because of their increased risk of becoming incarcerated or strangulated.
Even a femoral hernia that causes few symptoms may warrant surgical evaluation.
The timing and type of surgery depend on factors such as:
- Whether the hernia is reducible
- Presence and severity of symptoms
- Whether bowel or other tissue is trapped
- Overall health
- Previous abdominal or groin surgery
- Whether complications are suspected
A strangulated or obstructed femoral hernia requires urgent medical treatment.
How Is a Femoral Hernia Repaired?
Femoral hernia repair can be performed using an open or minimally invasive surgical approach.
Open Femoral Hernia Repair
During open repair, the surgeon makes an incision near the hernia, returns the herniated tissue to its appropriate position, and repairs the weakened area.
Sutures or surgical mesh may be used depending on the characteristics of the hernia and the surgical approach.
Laparoscopic or Robotic Femoral Hernia Repair
Some femoral hernias may be repaired using laparoscopic or robotic-assisted techniques.
These approaches use small incisions and specialized instruments to access and repair the hernia.
The appropriate approach depends on the patient's anatomy, whether the repair is planned or urgent, previous surgeries, and other clinical considerations.
Learn more about laparoscopic hernia surgery.
What Is Recovery Like After Femoral Hernia Surgery?
Recovery varies based on the surgical approach, complexity of the hernia, whether emergency treatment was required, and the patient's overall health.
After surgery, patients may receive instructions regarding:
- Walking and light activity
- Incision care
- Pain management
- Lifting restrictions
- Returning to work
- Resuming exercise
- Follow-up care
Your surgeon will provide individualized guidance about when it is safe to return to normal activities.
When Is a Femoral Hernia an Emergency?
Seek immediate medical attention if a known or suspected femoral hernia is accompanied by symptoms such as:
- Sudden or severe groin or abdominal pain
- A painful or tender bulge
- Nausea or vomiting
- Rapidly increasing swelling
- Skin around the bulge becoming red or darker
- Symptoms that rapidly worsen
These symptoms may indicate that tissue has become trapped or that its blood supply is compromised.
Femoral Hernia Surgery in the East Bay
Hernia Innovations provides evaluation and surgical treatment for femoral and other groin hernias throughout the East Bay.
Our board-certified surgeons evaluate the type and location of the hernia, symptoms, medical history, and risk of complications to determine the appropriate surgical approach for each patient.
Call (925) 940-1025 or request an appointment online.
Frequently Asked Questions About Femoral Hernias
Is a femoral hernia dangerous?
Femoral hernias have a higher risk of incarceration and strangulation than some other types of hernias. Because of this risk, surgical evaluation is generally recommended after a femoral hernia is diagnosed.
Where is a femoral hernia located?
A femoral hernia develops near the upper inner thigh or groin where tissue enters the femoral canal. It generally appears lower in the groin than an inguinal hernia.
Are femoral hernias more common in women?
Yes. Femoral hernias occur more frequently in women than men.
Can a femoral hernia go away on its own?
No. A femoral hernia does not close or repair itself. Surgical repair is generally recommended because of the risk of the hernia becoming trapped or strangulated.
What is the difference between a femoral and inguinal hernia?
Both occur in the groin region, but they pass through different anatomical spaces. A femoral hernia enters the femoral canal and generally appears lower in the groin or upper thigh. An inguinal hernia develops through the inguinal region higher in the groin.
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.
