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Femoral hernia repair

Contents of this page:

Alternative Names   

Femorocele repair; Herniorapphy; Hernioplasty

Definition    Return to top

Femoral hernia repair is surgery to repair a hernia near the groin or upper thigh. A femoral hernia is tissue that bulges out of a weak spot in the abdominal wall. Usually this tissue is part of the intestine.

In surgery to repair the hernia, the tissue is pushed back in, and the weakened area is sewn closed or strengthened. This repair can be done with open or laparoscopic surgery.

Description    Return to top

You will probably receive general anesthesia (asleep and pain-free) for this surgery. If your hernia is small, you may receive local anesthesia and medicine to relax you. You will be awake but pain-free.

In open surgery:

Your surgeon may use a laparoscope instead of doing open surgery.

Why the Procedure is Performed    Return to top

All femoral hernias need to be repaired, even if they do not cause any symptoms. If the hernia is not repaired, the intestine can get trapped in the hernia (called an "incarcerated" or "strangulated" hernia). This would cut off the blood supply to your intestines. This can be life threatening. If it happens, you would need emergency surgery.

Risks    Return to top

Risks for any anesthesia are:

Risks for any surgery are:

Risks for this surgery are:

Before the Procedure    Return to top

Always tell your doctor or nurse if:

During the week before your surgery:

On the day of your surgery:

After the Procedure    Return to top

Most people can go home the same day as surgery, but some may need to stay in the hospital overnight.

After surgery, you may have some swelling, bruising, or soreness around your incision. Taking pain medicines and being careful with how you move can help. You can return to light activities soon after this operation, but you will have to avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting for a few weeks.

Outlook (Prognosis)    Return to top

The outcome of this surgery is usually very good. The femoral hernia returns in less than 3 out of 100 patients who have this surgery.

References    Return to top

Malangoni MA, Rosen MJ. Hernia.In: Townsend CM, Beauchamp RD, Evers BM, Mattox KL, eds. Sabiston Textbook of Surgery. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 44.

Update Date: 3/30/2009

Updated by: Robert A. Cowles, MD, Assistant Professor of Surgery, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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