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Epigastric Hernia Repair (adult)

A femoral hernia is a common condition caused by a weakness in your abdominal wall, near the femoral canal. If left untreated, a femoral hernia can cause serious complications.

What is a femoral hernia?

Your abdominal cavity contains your intestines and other structures. These are protected by your abdominal wall, which is made up of four layers.

Weak spots can develop in the layer of muscle, resulting in the contents of your abdomen, along with the inner layer, pushing through your abdominal wall. This produces a lump called a hernia.

A femoral hernia causes a lump low down in your groin. It happens at the hole in the wall of your abdomen where the femoral artery and vein pass from your abdomen into your leg.

What are the benefits of surgery?

Are there any alternatives to surgery?

What does the operation involve?

Various anaesthetic techniques are possible. The operation usually takes about 45 minutes.

Your surgeon will make a cut either directly over the lump or a little higher up and will remove the ‘hernial sac’.

They will narrow the hole (femoral canal) through which the contents of your abdomen passed, using stitches or a synthetic mesh to allow just enough space for the femoral artery and vein. Your surgeon will close your skin.

How soon will I recover?

You should be able to go home the same day.

Increase how much you walk around over the first few days.

You should be able to return to work after 2 to 4 weeks, depending on how much surgery you need and your type of work.

Regular exercise should help you to return to normal activities as soon as possible. Before you start exercising, ask the healthcare team or your GP for advice.

Most people make a full recovery and can return to normal activities. However, the hernia can come back.

What complications can happen?

Some complications can be serious and can even cause death.

General complications of any operation

Specific complications of this operation

Developing a collection of blood (haematoma) or fluid (seroma) under your wound
Difficulty passing urine
Injury or narrowing of the femoral vein
Injury to structures that come from your abdomen and are within the hernia
Temporary weakness of your leg
Damage to nerves

Consultants who provide this treatment

Mr Bilal Al-Sarireh HMT Sancta Maria Hospital Consultant

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