Femoral hernia

Question 1

Where do femoral hernias occurs? Where are they found?

Answer 1

• Through the femoral canal.
• Femoral hernias are found laterally and inferiorly to the pubic tubercle (attachment of inguinal ligament).

Question 2

Describe the anatomy of the femoral triangle.

How is it formed (What are its borders)?

What does it contain?

Answer 2

The femoral triangle is formed by the inguinal ligament superiorly, the medial border of sartorius laterally and the lateral border of adductor longus medially

It contains the:

• femoral nerve
• femoral artery
• femoral vein from lateral to medial

(NAVY - from lateral Nerve to ‘Y-fronts’ medially)

Question 3

Where is the femoral canal?

What does it contain?

Answer 3

The femoral canal lies at the medial extremity of the femoral sheath.

• The anterior border of the canal is the inguinal ligament
• The medial border is the lacunar ligament
• The lateral border is the femoral vein
• The posterior border is the pectineal ligament

It contains the lymph node of Cloquet and fat

Question 4

Define Richter’s hernia

Answer 4

A hernia involving only one sidewall of the bowel and not the bowel lumen, which can result in bowel strangulation and perforation without causing obstruction or any of its warning signs

They are particularly likely in the feoral sac

Question 5

Describe the symptoms of patients with femoral hernia.

Answer 5

• 50% of patients will present as a surgical emergency due to obstructed contents
• The other presenting as a globular lump below and lateral to the pubic tubercle
• The femoral ring is tight, so strangulation is often occurs.