Femoral hernias are located in the groin and exits through the femoral ring, below the inguinal ligament. Femoral hernias most often affect women.
Femoral hernias are often surgical emergencies
About 40% of femoral hernias are complicated by incarceration or strangulation, which constitute surgical emergencies because of the risk of necrosis of the intestine.
Femoral hernia repair is most often carried out in the outpatient clinic, by laparoscopy and under general anesthesia. It consists of putting back the hernia into the abdominal cavity and placing a mesh to strengthen the abdominal wall and prevent any recurrence. In some cases, for example if the hernia is too large, in case of incarceration or if scars are present, the hernia repair is performed by laparotomy . An incision is made at the bottom of the abdomen, the hernia sac is pushed back into the abdomen and a mesh is added (Rives technique) to strengthen the area and to prevent any recurrence. In some cases, a mesh cannot be left in place and stitches are applied instead (Mc Vay technique).