Femoral Hernia Repair in Western Australia

A femoral hernia is a less common type of groin hernia. It pushes through a small natural opening — the femoral canal — that sits just below the inguinal ligament, where the large femoral vessels pass from the abdomen into the leg. While an inguinal hernia appears above the groin crease, a femoral hernia appears just below it, at the very top of the inner thigh.

Femoral hernias are more common in women than in men, and tend to occur in older adults. They are often small but can be surprisingly tender out of proportion to their size. Because the femoral canal is narrow and surrounded by rigid structures, femoral hernias are more likely than other hernias to become trapped (incarcerated) and to compromise the blood supply to the bowel inside them (strangulated). For this reason, surgical repair is almost always recommended once a femoral hernia is diagnosed, even when symptoms are mild.

Because femoral and inguinal hernias appear in nearby locations and can look similar on examination, the two are sometimes mistaken for one another. The distinction matters because the surgical approach and urgency differ slightly. Imaging — usually an ultrasound — is often helpful where the diagnosis is uncertain.

If you notice a lump or aching at the top of the inner thigh, particularly if it is painful or has become hard and irreducible, arrange a prompt assessment with Dr Watson or attend your nearest emergency department.

The femoral canal is a small natural opening that can gradually widen with age, increased intra-abdominal pressure, and weakening of the surrounding tissue. Risk factors include female sex, older age, multiple pregnancies, obesity, chronic cough, constipation and straining, and heavy or repetitive lifting. Femoral hernias are sometimes diagnosed for the first time when the patient presents to hospital with a small, painful, irreducible lump and signs of bowel obstruction — a presentation that highlights the importance of early assessment when a lump is first noticed.

Femoral hernias are repaired surgically — either open or laparoscopically. Because femoral hernias carry a higher risk of becoming trapped than inguinal hernias, repair is recommended on diagnosis rather than watched.

Open repair

Performed through a small incision over the lump, the hernia sac is freed, the contents reduced, and the femoral canal is closed with sutures and a small piece of mesh. Suitable for most uncomplicated femoral hernias and can be performed under general or regional anaesthesia.

Laparoscopic (keyhole) repair

Performed through three small incisions in the lower abdomen, with mesh placed behind the muscle wall to cover both the femoral canal and the nearby inguinal canal. This approach has the advantage of covering both potential hernia sites in a single operation and is often used in younger patients, in patients with bilateral hernias, and in recurrent cases.

Emergency repair

If a femoral hernia presents in an incarcerated or strangulated state — typically with a painful, irreducible lump, vomiting, and abdominal distension — surgery is performed urgently. Emergency repair carries higher risks than planned repair, which is why early assessment of suspected femoral hernia matters.

At consultation Dr Watson will discuss the right approach for your situation and outline what to expect.

Recovery from planned femoral hernia repair is similar to inguinal hernia repair. Most patients with desk-based work return to work within one to two weeks. Light manual work usually takes three to four weeks. Heavy manual work, FIFO, and mining roles typically require around six weeks before unrestricted lifting. These are general guidelines, not guarantees.

You can expect bruising and discomfort in the groin and upper inner thigh for one to two weeks. Walking is encouraged from day one. Dr Watson will review you in person or by telehealth two to four weeks after surgery. Recovery after an emergency repair (for an incarcerated or strangulated hernia) is more variable and depends on whether the bowel inside the hernia was affected.