Femoral hernia

At a Femoral hernia it is a break in the bowels. It occurs below the inguinal ligament and is noticeable with pain that does not necessarily indicate the injured region. For example, the symptoms can initially affect the thigh. A femoral hernia must always be treated surgically.

What is femoral hernia?

Because the organs do not regress on their own, surgery must always be performed in the case of a femoral hernia. Otherwise there would be a risk that the intestine could be trapped in the hernial opening and the tissue would be injured.
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As part of a Femoral hernia a hernial sac bulges through a point in the tissue. Especially when the pressure is increased, the femoral hernia in the abdomen can not only be felt, but often also seen. The fraction itself is composed of various elements. These include a hernial gate, hernial sac and the contents of the hernia. A femoral hernia manifests itself as a hernial opening that is a maximum of one centimeter in size.

It can be located under the inguinal ligament. Because parts of the intestine can be found in the hernial sac, a femoral hernia must always be operated on. Otherwise the intestine can become trapped between the structures, which would result in further discomfort. Overall, femoral hernias are more common in women than men. In 40 percent of patients, trapped intestinal sections can be found while making the diagnosis.

In addition to a femoral hernia, another hernia can occur at the same time. Such a phenomenon occurs in about 50 percent of all patients. This is not only a femoral hernia, but also an inguinal hernia.

causes

The cause of the femoral hernia can be found in a weak point in the tissue within the abdominal wall. The abdominal wall is stabilized by various structures such as fascia and aponeuroses. However, the groin region is not supported everywhere and evenly. Instead, some sites show a lack of aponeuroses and muscles. These are naturally more susceptible to a hernia and can be understood as a natural weak point.

Such a break is in the context of the femoral hernia on the back of the inguinal ligament. When the pressure increases with weak connective tissue, it can eventually lead to a femoral hernia. According to experts, there are some factors that favor the development of such a phenomenon. These include, for example, more frequent pregnancies, existing obesity and collagen weakness that develops with advancing age.

Some other diseases manifest themselves as collagen weakness, such as Marfan's syndrome. After a groin surgery, certain procedures used can also increase the likelihood.

Symptoms, ailments & signs

A femoral hernia doesn't always cause discomfort. If a patient suffers from pain, it can often not be directly attributed to a femoral hernia, instead it radiates into the thigh, for example. Swelling can become noticeable, especially when exposed to heavy loads. If the hernial sac is already trapped, pain can arise, which is limited to the groin, stomach and inner thighs.

Such discomfort often results from the fact that the affected structures are exposed to movement. Especially in women, it cannot be ruled out that the ovaries may also lose their position due to the femoral hernia. A femoral hernia is generally acquired. In most cases, women are affected. In men, the symptoms occur especially after an operation in the groin area.

Diagnosis & course of disease

Swelling in the area of ​​the performance below the inguinal ligament should always be clarified by a doctor. Such a phenomenon can indicate a femoral hernia. A detailed discussion with the doctor takes place before the physical examination. Information about the period of the complaints, previous operations and any concomitant illnesses should be provided here.

A palpable examination can usually be used to determine whether a femoral hernia is present. This takes place both while sitting and standing. As soon as the patient tenses and presses the structures, the hernial sac can be felt. If you are overweight, it can sometimes be difficult to find it by touch. An ultrasound examination can help here.

Complications

First and foremost, those affected suffer from severe pain with this disease. The pain occurs in the area of ​​the thigh and can also radiate into the entire leg. This also leads to severe restrictions on movement and restrictions in everyday life. Unfortunately, in many cases, treatment is delayed because the disease has no characteristic symptoms.

Due to the constant pain, the child's development may also be impaired, leading to symptoms in adulthood. Usually there are no other complaints. Resting pain can lead to sleep problems at night, which can lead to irritability and psychological complaints in the patient. The femoral hernia is usually treated with the help of a surgical procedure.

There are no particular complications. The discomfort is thereby alleviated and the disease completely defeated. Most of the time, the affected person does not suffer from further restrictions in movement after the procedure. The femoral hernia does not have a negative impact on the patient's life expectancy. If there is no treatment, the tissue of the intestine may also be injured.

When should you go to the doctor?

A femoral hernia often starts with no clear symptoms. A visit to the doctor is recommended if the typical pain occurs in the groin area. The symptoms are usually noticeable during physical exertion and can radiate into the thigh. Affected people should have the symptoms examined by their family doctor. If the pain worsens rapidly or is accompanied by other symptoms, a doctor should be consulted directly at best.If there are risk factors such as increased age, weak connective tissue or pregnancy, the doctor must be consulted.

Even being very overweight and chronic coughing can trigger a femoral hernia due to sustained pressure on the intestines. Anyone who belongs to the risk groups must pay attention to any signs of illness and, if in doubt, speak to the family doctor. A femoral hernia is treated by a general practitioner, an internist, or a gastroenterologist. Depending on the symptoms, other specialists can be consulted.

If the thigh fracture is detected early and operated on, the symptoms should subside after a few weeks. Close consultation with the doctor during follow-up care will help clarify any side effects. See a pediatrician with children who show signs of a fractured thigh. In the event of severe complaints that intensify quickly, the emergency services should be consulted.

Therapy & Treatment

Because the organs do not regress on their own, surgery must always be performed in the case of a femoral hernia. Otherwise there would be a risk that the intestine could be trapped in the hernial opening and the tissue would be injured. A distinction can be made between different surgical methods. On the one hand, an open operation can be carried out, on the other hand, a minimally invasive one using the keyhole technique.

The last method involves the surgical use of a small incision in the tissue. As part of an open operation, the doctor opens the hernial sac. The procedure can start either in the groin area or in the area of ​​the thigh. After the hernial sac has been removed, the other structures are pushed into their original position and the hernial port and wound are then closed. An isolated operation is performed without opening the inguinal canal. Instead, the incision starts near the inguinal ligament.

After the structures have been pushed back, the hernial port is closed with a seam. A closed surgical operation is considered to be particularly gentle. However, it can only be used under certain conditions. The doctor makes small incisions through which he inserts his surgical instruments. A laparoscope helps to maintain orientation. To stabilize the femoral hernia hernia, the use of a plastic mesh is recommended.

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prevention

A femoral hernia can only be prevented to a limited extent. Ultimately, a reduced amount of collagen is a natural symptom of aging. However, repeated births and obesity appear to increase the risk. Accordingly, excess pounds should be shed and a healthy diet should be observed.

Aftercare

After hernia surgery, patients can usually leave the clinic in one to seven days. The sutures are removed after four to ten days. You can shower within two days, bathing and direct sunlight on the scars should be avoided for around two weeks.

The exception is large incisional hernias, for which it is recommended to wear a bandage for three months. For about two to three weeks after the operation, patients should take some physical rest. During this time, they should refrain from exertion that exceeds the simple activities of daily living, such as personal hygiene and housework.

This is followed by a slow increase in physical stress. Depending on the type of activity, work can be resumed after around three weeks, and the first sporting activities can take place after four weeks. Weights of over ten kilograms can only be safely lifted after six weeks. Wound pain can be expected for up to 14 days after the operation and can be treated well with pain relievers.

A doctor should be consulted if the symptoms persist. During the healing phase, overexertion should be avoided in the area of ​​the groin, such as that which occurs when pressing too hard during bowel movements. The use of light laxatives is recommended for relief.

You can do that yourself

In the case of a femoral hernia, the person affected generally needs medical help and support. The possibilities of self-help are not enough to achieve relief or recovery. The patient should work closely with the attending physician.

Since a surgical procedure is necessary, a strengthening of the body's own defense system helps with fast and good healing. In order to support the wound healing process as best as possible, a balanced and healthy diet is important. The organism needs a stable immune system in order to be able to defend itself against possible pathogens or germs. Adequate oxygen supply and exercise also strengthen the body. In order to enable the organism to regenerate optimally, sufficient breaks and the observance of good sleep hygiene are advisable. Overexertion, physical strain or stress are to be avoided or should be reduced.

Since the disease can lead to complications associated with restricted mobility, incorrect posture and one-sided physical strain should be corrected early in everyday life. For this, you have to pay attention to the movement sequences and rigid postures should only be adopted for a short time. Muscle discomfort or tension can be reduced by balancing movements. Physiotherapy exercises are recommended to alleviate the symptoms. In addition, a sufficient supply of heat and massages help prevent muscular irregularities.