Femoral hernia: symptoms and repair in Brisbane

A suddenly painful or firm groin lump needs urgent care

Go to your nearest emergency department if the lump suddenly becomes painful or firm, or no longer settles as it did before. A lump that turns red or purple, or comes with nausea, vomiting or fever, also needs urgent assessment.

These changes can mean the hernia has become trapped or another complication has developed. Do not try to push a painful lump back in. For a medical emergency, call 000.

If the lump is comfortable and you otherwise feel well, arrange a medical assessment. The warning signs above are reasons to seek care sooner than a planned appointment. An online enquiry should not be used for urgent symptoms.

A femoral hernia sits low in the groin

A femoral hernia forms when fat or bowel pushes through the femoral canal, a small space near the top of the thigh. It can cause a bulge just below the groin crease.

The lump may be easier to notice while standing or straining and may flatten when you lie down. Some people have an aching or dragging feeling. Others have few symptoms and learn about the hernia during an examination for another reason.

Discomfort may be more noticeable after prolonged standing or heavy lifting. Describe that pattern to your doctor, including whether the lump changes through the day.

Position alone cannot confirm the diagnosis. A small lump can be difficult to assess, and there are other causes of swelling in the groin. It is sensible to have a new lump examined even when it is not painful.

Examination helps distinguish a femoral from an inguinal hernia

Femoral and inguinal hernias both occur in the groin, but they pass through different spaces. An inguinal hernia is usually higher; a femoral hernia sits lower, beneath the inguinal ligament.

The distinction matters when planning treatment. The opening around a femoral hernia is narrow, so tissue can become trapped. A confirmed femoral hernia usually prompts a discussion about repair, even when the lump is small.

Femoral hernias are more common in women and older adults. A woman can also have an inguinal hernia, so age or sex does not settle which type a lump might be.

The inguinal hernia page covers that condition. For women looking for a broader explanation before an appointment, there is also an article about what a groin lump in women can mean.

A consultation starts with the lump and your symptoms

Dr Goutham examines the groin and asks when you first noticed the lump. Mention any pain and whether it changes with standing or lying down.

Tell him about previous groin or pelvic surgery, including any hernia repair. A new lump near an old repair should be examined rather than assumed to be scar tissue. Bring previous operation details if they are available.

An ultrasound may help if the lump is small or the diagnosis is unclear. A CT scan is sometimes needed. Dr Goutham will explain whether imaging would help in your case and what it is being used to check.

Bring scans you have already had and a current medicine list. You can also write down which activities bring on discomfort. These details help make the discussion about treatment specific to your daily life.

Surgery is usually recommended for a confirmed femoral hernia

A femoral hernia does not close on its own. Because it can become trapped, repair is usually recommended even when symptoms are mild.

The decision still needs an individual discussion. Dr Goutham considers your health, previous surgery and the findings on examination. He explains the proposed timing and what the operation would involve.

A useful question at this point is why a particular approach is being recommended for you. You can also ask how your other health conditions affect the plan and what preparation is needed.

If you need help understanding the recommendation, ask for it to be explained again in plain language. For planned care, the consultation is the place to discuss the benefits and risks before deciding to proceed.

Open and keyhole repairs are options for different situations

Femoral hernia repair returns the bulging tissue and repairs the weak area. Mesh is often used to reinforce it. Whether mesh is suitable, and how it is placed, forms part of the discussion before surgery.

Open repair

An open repair uses an incision near the groin to reach the hernia. It may be suitable for a first repair or after previous pelvic surgery. The choice also depends on whether the operation is planned or urgent.

Laparoscopic (keyhole) repair

Laparoscopic (keyhole) repair uses a camera and instruments through small cuts. It allows the surgeon to work behind the abdominal wall. It may be considered when a hernia has returned or another groin hernia is also present.

You may hear the terms TEP or TAPP for different keyhole approaches. Ask which is proposed and why. The keyhole hernia repair page gives more detail.

Robotic-assisted repair is available for selected hernias. The surgeon controls the instruments through a robotic system. If this is an option, Dr Goutham will explain its role in your repair.

If mesh is recommended, ask where it would be placed and what its benefits and risks are for you. You can also ask how a previous repair affects that choice. Bring up any concerns before the operation so they can be addressed during the consent discussion.

Dr Goutham does not perform hiatal (paraoesophageal) or parastomal hernia repair — those are referred to upper-GI or colorectal sub-specialists.

Preparation is matched to your health and surgery date

Before planned surgery, the team reviews health issues that may affect the operation or healing. This may include smoking, diabetes and nutrition.

Mention a long-term cough or breathing condition. If you smoke, discuss support to stop. Dr Goutham will advise which steps are useful for you and how they fit the timing of the repair.

Blood-thinning medicines need a clear plan from your treating clinicians. Do not stop anticoagulants yourself. Bring an up-to-date medicine list so the team can check what needs to happen before surgery.

For day surgery, arrange a responsible adult to take you home. Ask what help you may need afterwards, particularly if your work or home duties involve lifting. You will receive instructions for your operation.

Recovery and surgical risks need an individual discussion

Many planned femoral hernia repairs are day procedures. Some people need a hospital stay because of their health or the circumstances of the operation.

Early recovery usually involves pain relief and gentle walking, with a gradual return to activity. Driving depends on being able to move safely and brake sharply without pain. Your team will also explain any restrictions related to medicines.

Ask about your own work and exercise before surgery. Physical work may need more time or lighter duties. The recovery after hernia surgery guide covers routine aftercare and the symptoms that need medical advice.

Possible problems after repair include bruising, swelling, infection and a collection of fluid near the wound. Groin discomfort can persist, and a hernia can return. Dr Goutham discusses the risks that apply to your operation as part of consent.

For a broader explanation of the operation, see the hernia surgery guide. Fee questions are covered separately in the hernia surgery cost guide.

Book an assessment of a low groin lump

Book a femoral hernia consultation at Upper Edge Surgery. If you would like help arranging the appointment, call the rooms on (07) 3333 5518.

Patients may book directly; a valid referral is needed for Medicare rebate processing. Send your referral and any existing scan reports before the visit so they are available for the consultation.