Femoral hernia
Femoral hernia – exit of the internal organs of the peritoneum through the femoral canal. Normally, this channel is closed and does not contain any anatomical structures. But under the influence of adverse factors and the weakness of the connective tissue of the peritoneal wall, parts of the intestine and other internal organs can enter the canal. Outwardly, it looks like a spherical or bag-like protrusion in the area of the femoral triangle.
A femoral hernia is anatomically no different from hernias of any other type. It is characterized by the presence of a hernial gate, a hernial sac (its size depends on which organs got inside), hernial contents (these can be parts of the large omentum or intestinal loop, bladder, testicles (in men), ovaries (in women)) , hernial membranes.
Hernia develops gradually in 3 phases:
- initial – there are tingling pains in the place of localization that disturb a person only during heavy physical work, and the hernia sac itself is located within the internal femoral ring;
- incomplete - pain gradually appears during movement, after some time a protrusion is formed in the groin, which is exercised independently in a state of rest;
- complete - there are typical symptoms of a hernia, namely, the formation often does not extend into the abdominal cavity.
Types and causes of femoral hernias
Regarding localization, hernial protrusions are:
- unilateral (30% of cases occur on the left side, 60% - on the right);
- bilateral (10%).
Based on the clinic, the following types of hernias are detected:
- practical (at rest, the hernia moves itself into place);
- unmanageable (it does not change shape or disappear when the body position is changed);
- injured (needs urgent help).
A femoral hernia can develop in men and women against the background of:
- operative intervention in history;
- increased intra-abdominal pressure during constant coughing, constipation, hard work, pregnancy;
- rapid weight loss;
- peritoneum nerve damage (paralysis);
- abdominal wall injuries;
- problems with urination;
- inherited weakness of connective tissue.
Symptoms
The femoral hernia is located under the inguinal ligament and appears as a characteristic protrusion of various sizes in the area between the groin and the thigh. At the same time, the patient may complain of unpleasant sensations, pain that intensifies during physical exertion and walking.
Given the anatomical features, the female pelvis is wider than the male, so there are more weak points under the inguinal ligament in women than in men, and the strength of the connective tissue is less. Therefore, this pathology occurs much more often in women. In the full stage of femoral hernia in women, the hernial bladder often protrudes directly into the labia.
A typical symptom in this case will be pain that appears:
- in the pelvis;
- at the site of the hernia;
- during intercourse;
- during defecation;
- in the thigh;
- in the ovaries;
- in the vagina.
The main reason for the appearance of protrusions in the thigh area in the stronger sex is hard physical work.
Clinically, a hernia in men manifests itself as:
- severe pain in the thigh;
- appearance of small protrusions similar to a tumor;
- in some cases – by lowering the hernia sac into the scrotum.
The most dangerous complication of pathology in men and women is a pinched femoral hernia, which is manifested by its sudden pinching in the hernial gate. This condition can cause intestinal gangrene, peritonitis, intestinal obstruction, necrosis.
Infringement is manifested by such signs as:
- vomiting;
- sharp pain in groin, scrotum, labia;
- absence of defecation;
- impossibility to put the hernia in place;
- feces with blood.
Stage of feces in the colon (coprostasis) or inflammation of the hernia itself may also develop.
Treatment of femoral hernia
Most often, a person who has been diagnosed with a femoral hernia is not ready to immediately go under the surgeon's scalpel. She begins to try "grandmother's recipes" on herself, tries to practice bulging back and postpones a visit to the doctor as best she can.
However, in the presence of this pathology, conservative methods of treatment do not give any effect. Attempts at self-exercise can lead to injury. Just remember that femoral hernia treatment is exclusively surgical intervention (hernioplasty).
Such an intervention is carried out by several methods. Only a surgeon can decide which of them is most suitable for you. At the same time, his choice of surgery tactics will be based on diagnostic and analysis data, as well as individual characteristics of the body.
You can learn more about operative interventions in the case of hernias on the website https://dobrobut.com/. In our clinic, appointments are held by exceptionally qualified specialists with extensive work experience, and they will be happy to answer all your questions and choose the most appropriate and minimally traumatic operation option.
The intervention itself involves the following mandatory stages:
- dissection of a hernia;
- thorough review of its contents;
- further practice;
- bandaging, excision of the membranes that form the hernial sac;
- hernioplasty. It is performed using the patient's tissues or synthetic materials.
To eliminate the consequences of a herniated hernia, a median laparotomy is performed, during which the injured and necrotized parts of the organs that have entered the hernial sac are removed.
Remember that ignoring the problem and trying to practice on your own can lead to serious complications. Do not self-medicate! Consult a surgeon immediately after detecting signs of a femoral hernia!
Related services:
Appointment with a family doctor (general practice)< /a>
Surgical operations
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