Femoral hernias

Question 1

Define:

Answer 1

Abdominal contents pass through a naturally occurring weakness called the femoral canal, presenting as mass in the upper medial thigh.

Question 2

Aetiology/risk factors:

Answer 2

Female

Increasing age

Pregnancy

Increased intra-abdominal pressure

Question 3

Epidemiology:

Answer 3

Less common than inguinal but more likely to get incarcerated as in a tight place.

More common in females

Question 4

Symptoms:

Answer 4

Lump in groin

Usually asymp

30% as an emergency

Question 5

Signs:

Answer 5

Abdo exam

Look for lump –> compare both sides

Ask patient to reduce lump

Below + lateral to pubic tubercle

No lump –> cough impulse

Likely to be irreducible

repeat with patient standing

Question 6

Investigations:

Answer 6

ultrasound scan

Question 7

management:

Answer 7

surgical repair

herinotomy - ligation + excision of the sac

Herniorrhapy - repair of the hernial defect

Question 8

Complications:

Answer 8

strangulation

risk of becoming irreducible or obstructed

Bowel resection

wound infection

Question 9

prognosis:

Answer 9

good if not strangulated