Medical content by Elias Tsiolis, Director Surgeon · Last updated: 11 May 2026
Femoral Hernia
It is much more common in women, mainly in middle and older age, because of the anatomy of the pelvis and the changes that occur after pregnancy or weight loss.
Although it may be small, a femoral hernia is particularly dangerous because it has a high chance of becoming strangulated (bowel or fatty tissue becomes “trapped” in the opening), which can lead to serious complications if not treated in time.
Everything You Need to Know About Femoral Hernia
Causes and Risk Factors
A femoral hernia forms when part of the intestine or fatty tissue pushes through a weak spot in the abdominal wall, in the canal through which the femoral vessels pass.
The main contributing factors are:
- Repeated increases in intra-abdominal pressure (e.g. from chronic cough or constipation)
- Pregnancies
- Obesity
- Major weight loss
- Previous abdominal surgery
Symptoms
A femoral hernia often starts insidiously and may not cause strong symptoms at first. Over time, however, the patient may notice:
- A small swelling or lump low in the groin or upper thigh
- Pain or burning in the groin that gets worse when standing or exercising
- A feeling of heaviness or pressure in the leg
- Less often, nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain, which may indicate strangulation (an emergency)
!! A strangulated femoral hernia is a surgical emergency and needs immediate treatment, as it can cause death of the bowel tissue.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is mainly made by clinical examination by an experienced surgeon, often with the help of ultrasound. In uncertain cases or in overweight patients, a CT or MRI scan may be needed to confirm the hernia and assess its size.
Treatment
Surgical Treatment of Femoral Hernia
Surgical Treatment
A femoral hernia does not go away by itself, and surgical repair is the only definitive treatment.
The operation aims to return the contents of the hernia to their place and reinforce the weak spot in the abdominal wall. There are two main techniques, but both should be performed as a posterior repair by a surgeon with extensive experience in the field, such as Director Surgeon Elias Tsiolis:
Open Repair
- Through a small transverse incision low in the groin, the surgeon returns the contents and places a mesh to reinforce the wall. The operation can be done under local or spinal anesthesia and the patient goes home the same day.
Endoscopic Repair
A minimally invasive method performed through small ports and a camera. It offers:
- Smaller incisions and a better cosmetic result
- Less post-operative pain
- Faster recovery and return to activities
- The option of repairing any other hernia at the same time (e.g. an inguinal hernia)
The choice of method depends on the patient's age, general condition and whether it is a first-time or recurrent hernia.
Recovery After the Operation
- Home the same day or the next morning
- Minimal pain for 1–2 days, managed with ordinary painkillers
- Return to light work within 1–3 days
- Avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting for 3–4 weeks
- Follow-up with the surgeon after 6 weeks
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a femoral hernia dangerous?
Yes, because of the narrow femoral canal it carries a higher risk of strangulation. For this reason timely surgical repair by a specialist surgeon is recommended, even if it does not cause strong symptoms.
Can it come back?
With modern meshes and the right technique, the chance of recurrence is extremely small (<1–2%).
Are there restrictions after the operation?
Not significant ones. Patients return quickly to daily activities, with a gradual increase in physical exercise.
Is the repair painful?
Modern techniques make the operation almost painless, with a very fast recovery.
An inguinal hernia is the most common type of hernia and occurs when abdominal fat and/or part of the intestine pushes into the groin.
Everything You Need to Know About Inguinal Hernia
Causes and Risk Factors
Inguinal hernia is more common in men, especially after the age of 40.
- Congenital weakness of the inguinal canal
- Heavy lifting
- Obesity
- Chronic cough or constipation
Symptoms
The most common symptoms of an inguinal hernia include:
- A visible bulge in the groin that “comes and goes”
- A burning or pressure sensation
- Pain when standing or during physical activity
Treatment
Surgical repair is the only definitive solution.
Surgical Treatment
The operation can be performed by:
Laparoscopic or Endoscopic Repair (TAPP or TEP)
- A very good technique with a short operating time, in which a mesh is placed internally through small ports.
Open Repair (Anterior Mesh Repair)
- A technique with excellent results that has been used for the last 30 years. It costs less and can be performed under local anesthesia.
After the operation, the patient usually goes home the same day.