A hernia is a weak spot in the abdominal wall that allows part of the intestine to slip through the wall. When a hernia is located in the thigh area near the groin, the hernia is called a femoral hernia. Femoral hernias grow larger over time and can affect a person greatly in terms of pain, limited movement and a possible interruption of blood flow.
Signs and Symptoms
Symptoms of a femoral hernia include groin pain and a tenderness in the area of the thigh where the hernia is located. The bulge of intestine may be visible on the thigh. Bending over or lifting heavy objects may cause the pain to intensify, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Repair
Femoral hernias do not resolve themselves and must be repaired surgically to prevent further pain and potentially serious complications. Medical Disabilities Guidelines explains that patients can manage post-operative pain with medications, deep breathing exercises and by applying pressure to the thigh area with a pillow before coughing or laughing.
Long-Term Prognosis
A patient who has had a femoral hernia repaired has an extremely good chance for complete recovery. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, 97 percent of people who have had a femoral hernia will never experience a recurrence.
Prevention
Femoral hernia prevention can include losing weight and regulating digestion, if applicable. People who are overweight, as well as those who strain from constipation are more likely to develop this type of hernia, according to the NIH.
Complications
The main complication associated with a femoral hernia is strangulation, the case in which the intestinal bulge twists and cuts off its blood supply. People who have a strangulated femoral hernia may experience nausea and vomiting and acute pain, according to UMMC.
