Content
A femoral hernia is a lump that appears on the thigh, close to the groin, due to the displacement of part of the fat from the abdomen and intestine to the groin region. It is more common in women, usually has no symptoms and is not very frequent. This hernia appears in the femoral canal, which is located just below the groin, in which the femoral artery and vein and some nerves are present.
The diagnosis of femoral hernia is made through physical examination and ultrasound performed by the doctor, in which the characteristics of the hernia are observed, such as size and if there is swelling in the region. Usually the femoral hernia, when diagnosed, is monitored by the doctor periodically in order to monitor the symptoms.
Possible causes
Femoral hernia does not have a specific cause, but it occurs mainly when there is a condition that increases the pressure inside the abdomen, as in the case of people who lift a lot of weight, are overweight, smoke, have frequent coughing or chronic constipation have more chance of developing this type of hernia. Femoral hernia is not common, but it happens more frequently in elderly women or after pregnancy. Better understand why hernias arise.
Main symptoms of femoral hernia
The femoral hernia is usually asymptomatic, and usually presents only as a protrusion in the thigh close to the groin, but symptoms may appear depending on the size, especially discomfort when lifting, making an effort or carrying weight.
In addition, the hernia can prevent blood flow to the intestine, characterizing a severe condition of femoral hernia called strangulation or intestinal obstruction, whose symptoms are:
- Vomiting;
- Nausea;
- Abdominal pain;
- Excess gases;
- Constipation or diarrhea;
- Cramps.
If the hernia is not corrected through surgery, the person may be at risk of life, as there is a compromised blood flow. Therefore, when the first symptoms appear, it is important to go to the doctor to confirm the diagnosis.
How the diagnosis is made
The diagnosis of femoral hernia can be made by the general practitioner through physical examination through observation and palpation of the region. Ultrasonography can also be used to confirm the diagnosis and better observe the hernia.
The differential diagnosis is made for inguinal hernia, which is a lump that appears in the groin, due to the exit of a part of the intestine, and is more frequent in men. Learn more about inguinal hernia.
How to treat femoral hernia
The treatment of femoral hernia is established by the doctor and depends on the size of the hernia and the discomfort felt by the person. If the hernia is small and does not cause discomfort, it is recommended that there is periodic monitoring by the doctor and that the surgery is scheduled to correct the hernia, always observing if there are symptoms and risk of strangulation.
In situations where the hernia is large and causes a lot of discomfort, the indication is to correct the femoral hernia through surgery, as this type of hernia has great chances of strangulation. After the procedure, the hernia is unlikely to recur. See how hernia surgery is done.