In spite of empiric treatment methods of using a truss to support the abdominal wall, femoral hernias are only curable by surgical means. The hernia will only get worse and must be operated to prevent strangulation.

Usually, the surgical intervention for repairing femoral hernias is an easy one; but patients must give their consent before surgery and must be aware of all possible risks, side-effects and complications. The patient will not be forced to stay overnight after operation. He will choose together with the surgeon the type of anesthesia required. Reducing a femoral hernia can occur under total or local anesthesia.

There are two available surgical methods today. The traditional incision is about 10 cm long and requires opening of the femoral channel to push the content back into the abdomen. The weakened area of the canal must be sewed to prevent reoccurrence and an additional nylon mesh could be useful to strengthen the femoral canal. The second option is the mini invasive laparoscopic surgery.

In case of a strangled hernia, the patient must longer stay in the hospital as the dead intestinal fragment must be removed and a connection established between two bowel endings. Persons can go home after they recover from anesthesia and those with general anesthesia must be supervised by family or friends in the next period of time. A program for stitching and bathing will be explained by a nurse and the patient must return in 6 weeks for control.

In the next days patients must take some painkillers and avoid physical effort. Some area discomfort may persist a few weeks after surgery. Patients might also feel sick while recovering from a general anesthesia or because of the administered painkillers.

Very few complications have been registered after hernia surgery, most of them due to unexpected reactions to the anesthetics. Such side-effects can be bleedings, forming of blood cloths, infections. Venous thrombosis usually occurs in the legs and can be treated by patients wearing compression stockings during surgery.

Very rare specific complications of femoral hernias interventions are different accidental damages to the internal organs nearby. This will need a larger incision to repair all damages caused. Abdominal bruising can also appear but it usually settles without intervention. Patients must talk to their doctors and be aware of how this procedure will influence their own health and lifestyle. The surgical conclusion depends on the state of the hernia and on the patient’s general health.

You can try to avoid femoral hernias by taking frequent physical exercise, following a healthy diet to avoid constipation, not smoking, keeping a normal body weight and using lifting equipment to save yourself from heavy objects.