HERNIA / ABDOMINAL WALL · CONDITION GUIDE
Femoral Hernia
A protrusion through the femoral canal below the inguinal ligament — most common in women and carrying a high risk of strangulation, requiring prompt surgical repair.
ABOUT THIS CONDITION
What is Femoral Hernia?
A femoral hernia passes through the femoral canal — a small space beneath the inguinal ligament medial to the femoral vein — and presents as a groin swelling below and lateral to the pubic tubercle. It is more common in women due to the wider female pelvis creating a larger femoral canal. Femoral hernias have a higher risk of incarceration and strangulation than inguinal hernias due to the narrow, rigid femoral ring, and should be repaired promptly upon diagnosis. Dr. Tagore Mohan Grandhi repairs femoral hernias at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad, preferring the laparoscopic preperitoneal approach (TEP/TAPP) which places a large mesh to cover both the femoral and inguinal spaces simultaneously, providing comprehensive groin hernia repair and the lowest recurrence rate.
SIGNS TO WATCH
Common Symptoms
Symptoms that need attention
WHY IT HAPPENS
Causes & Risk Factors
- Congenitally wide femoral canal in women predisposing to herniation
- Increased intra-abdominal pressure from obesity, pregnancy, or straining
- Age-related weakening of the femoral ring
- Previous inguinal hernia repair weakening the inguinal floor
- Heavy physical labour and chronic constipation
- Multiple pregnancies increasing intra-abdominal pressure over years
CLINICAL DETAILS
KeyFacts
Highest of all groin hernias — requires prompt repair
Laparoscopic TEP/TAPP covering femoral and inguinal spaces
Below and lateral to the pubic tubercle in the groin
25–40% present acutely with incarceration or strangulation
Day case; return to activity in 1–2 weeks
Available at Lux Hospitals, Hitech City, Hyderabad
HOW WE TREAT IT
Treatment Approach
Prompt Repair Prevents Strangulation
Femoral hernias have the highest rate of strangulation of all groin hernias — up to 25–40% present as emergencies. Dr. Grandhi recommends prompt elective repair upon diagnosis. The laparoscopic preperitoneal approach simultaneously covers the femoral canal, internal inguinal ring, and Hesselbach’s triangle with a single mesh, preventing all groin hernia types.
- 1
Diagnosis & Urgent Assessment
Clinical examination identifies the hernia below the inguinal ligament. Ultrasound confirms the diagnosis in unclear cases. Acute tenderness or irreducibility requires urgent surgical assessment.
- 2
Repair Planning
Elective laparoscopic repair is planned promptly. Emergency repair is undertaken without delay for incarcerated or strangulated hernias. Bowel viability is assessed laparoscopically.
- 3
Laparoscopic TEP or TAPP Repair
A large mesh is placed preperitoneally to cover the femoral canal and inguinal defects comprehensively. For strangulated hernias, bowel viability is assessed and resection performed if required.
- 4
Recovery
Same-day discharge for elective repair. Light activity within days; full activity at 4–6 weeks. Emergency cases require a longer recovery depending on whether bowel resection was needed.
AVAILABLE TREATMENTS
TreatmentOptions
Laparoscopic Hernia Repair (TEP/TAPP)
Laparoscopic preperitoneal mesh repair covering the femoral canal and inguinal floor. Preferred approach with comprehensive coverage and lowest recurrence rate.
Hernia Repair (Open)
Open repair via the low approach (lockwood), high approach (McEvedy), or inguinal approach for femoral hernia, with mesh plug or suture closure of the femoral canal.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions
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