Femoral Hernia

Femoral Hernia at Ashtead Hospital

A femoral hernia repair is surgery to move a femoral hernia back into its correct place. It is almost always recommended straight away as a femoral hernia can cause serious complications. 

A femoral hernia occurs when a loop of intestine or fatty tissue pokes through a weak spot in your groin at the top of your inner thigh into an area called the femoral canal.

These hernias are relatively uncommon but appear more often in women because of the wider shape of the female pelvis. They tend to happen: after childbirth, from straining on the toilet with constipation, when moving heavy loads, if you are obese or, if you have a constant, heavy cough. 

Femoral hernia symptoms include a grape-sized lump in your groin that may cause hernia pain. The lump can often be pushed back in or disappear when you lie down.

Ramsay Health Care offers high-quality care for your femoral hernia. Our skilled general surgeons perform femoral hernia repair surgery quickly and conveniently for our patients to prevent complications and, so that they can get back to their daily lifestyles as soon as possible. 

What is a Femoral Hernia Repair?

Femoral hernia repair is surgery performed to repair your femoral hernia and prevent any serious complications happening from this type of hernia. 

A femoral hernia can cause: obstruction where a section of your bowel is stuck in the femoral canal and, strangulation where a section of your bowel becomes trapped and its blood supply is cut off. 

Strangulation can be dangerous and requires emergency femoral hernia repair surgery to release the trapped bowel and restore its blood supply.

What does Femoral Hernia Repair surgery involve?

 

A femoral hernia repair is carried out by open or laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery. 

Open surgery involves making one larger cut so that your surgeon can push the lump back into the abdomen. 

For laparoscopic surgery, your surgeon makes several smaller incisions through which they insert special miniature instruments including a camera and light called a laparoscope to see inside your groin and perform the repair. 

You can discuss with your surgeon the pros and cons of each before deciding on the most appropriate treatment.

Often a mesh patch is placed over the area where the femoral hernia came through to strengthen this weak spot in your abdomen and prevent the hernia happening again. 

If you have a strangulated hernia, part of your bowel may be damaged and this section may be removed during surgery and the two ends of your healthy bowel joined. 

The incisions in your skin are then sealed using stitches or surgical glue.

What complications can happen after Femoral Hernia Repair surgery?

As with all surgical procedures there is a risk of complications. General operative complications include: pain, bleeding, wound infection, blood clots and, scarring.

Complications specific to femoral hernia repair surgery include: injury to the surrounding organs such as the bladder, intestines, blood vessels and nerves, difficulty passing urine, numbness and pain and, the return of the femoral hernia.

What is the cost of Femoral Hernia Repair surgery?

If you decide to pay for your treatment, Ramsay offer an all-inclusive Total Care package, where a single one-off payment at a pre-agreed price, delivering direct access to all the treatment you need for complete reassurance. You can also spread the cost of your treatment with finance options available.

The femoral hernia repair surgery may be covered by your medical insurance policy. We advise you to check directly with your insurance provider and get written confirmation before commencing treatment. 

How soon will I recover after the Femoral Hernia Repair surgery?

You will go home the same day as your surgery or the day after, unless you have had a bigger operation for a strangulated hernia which will require a longer hospital stay of four to five days.

Femoral hernia recovery is usually very quick and many patients return to light activities within the first week and, work after two to three weeks. Gentle exercise, such as walking, can help your healing.

You should not do any heavy lifting or strenuous activity for four to six weeks.

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