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Difference Between Femoral And Inguinal Hernia?

Femoral and Inguinal Hernia

A hernia is a condition that happens when an internal organ pushes against a weak area in the surrounding tissue or muscle. Men are more prone to this medical ailment compared to women. There are four common types of hernia— inguinal hernia, hiatal hernia, umbilical hernia, and femoral hernia.

A femoral hernia is less common in older women than an Inguinal hernia, which is seen mostly in men. About 75 to 80% of people suffer from an inguinal or femoral hernia.

How To Identify Whether You Developed An Inguinal Or A Femoral Hernia?

An inguinal hernia happens in the abdomen between the groin and the pubis. The bulge may increase when you pressure the abdomen while coughing or sneezing. A femoral hernia occurs when a portion of your muscle tries to get back through the femoral canal, which consists of veins, nerves,

and arteries. A femoral hernia is also known as Femorocele. Here are a few differences that can help you identify the type of hernia you developed.

  • Inguinal hernias are more common in men, whereas women are more prone to Femoral hernias.
  • Inguinal hernias are less likely to be strangulated. Femoral hernias are more likely to be strangulated.
  • Femoral hernias should always be treated with surgery, but inguinal hernias can also be treated without surgery.
  • The sac formed in the inguinal hernia comprises the bowel, while the sac comprises the omentum in the femoral hernias.

When you develop a hernia, a three-finger test is done. The inguinal hernia test focuses mainly on the middle or index finger, but the Femoral hernia test focuses only on the ring finger.

The following table summarises the difference between inguinal and femoral hernia:

Inguinal HerniaFemoral Hernia
Common in malesCommon in females
Passes through the inguinal canalPasses through the femoral canal
The neck of the sac is above and medial of the pubic tubercle (prominence on the upper border of pubic bone). It mainly comprises of bowelThe neck of the sac lies lateral and below the pubic tubercle, and it contains the omentum (the fold of tissues/peritoneum connecting the stomach to other organs)
Less likely to be strangulatedCan easily get strangulated
It may not require surgerySurgery is the only treatment option

What Are The Risks Involved If A Hernia Is Not Treated?

No treatment is necessary for babies when they develop umbilical hernias, as they disappear independently after a certain age. Other than that, all other types of hernias need to be treated with medications or surgery. Therefore, it is essential to consult a Hernia doctor immediately when developing a hernia.

If an inguinal or femoral hernia is left untreated, several complications may occur. For example, a part of the intestine may get stuck, resulting in vomiting, nausea, and pain. Another common risk involved is strangulation, where a part of the intestine gets trapped in such a way that it stops the blood supply.

How Is A Hernia Diagnosed?

If you find any bulge near your groin area, abdomen, or inner thigh and you doubt it to be a hernia, you must immediately consult a doctor. First, the doctor will perform some physical examinations and ask for your medical history.

After this process, they may continue with the diagnosis by using imaging tests such as CT, abdominal, and MRI scans. Finally, if the doctor notices some severe problem that cannot be treated with medications, he may refer you to a surgeon to get operated on with the hernia.

What Are The Home Remedies To Follow When You Develop A Hernia?

Home remedies will not help cure your hernia but may help you avoid its development.

Here are a few remedies that you can follow at your home.

  • Eat more fibre-rich food—Fibrous foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help relieve constipation, reducing the risk of developing a hernia.
  • Try to prevent acid reflux. Avoid spicy and tomato-based foods, as they cause acid reflux, which can aggravate a hernia.
  • Change your diet—Try to avoid heavy meals that pressure your abdomen. If you eat such meals, it is better not to bend over or lie down. 
  • Stop smoking- Smoking induces cough, and continuous cough can strain your abdomen muscles. Hence increasing the possibility of growing a hernia.

Conclusion

Hernia repair surgeries are usually painless during the operation. If you get surgery to remove a hernia, you may feel pain around that area for a couple of days.

Follow the doctor’s prescription thoroughly to recover quickly. Never neglect a hernia, as it can turn into a serious problem and cause pain. Remember, surgery is the best treatment option for any kind of hernia.

To learn more about femoral and inguinal hernias, contact our team of experts now!

 

FAQs

  • What is a femoral hernia?
  • A femoral hernia occurs when tissue pushes through a weak spot in the upper thigh near the groin.
  • What is an inguinal hernia?
  • An inguinal hernia occurs when tissue protrudes through a weak spot in the abdominal wall in the groin area.
  • What are the symptoms of femoral and inguinal hernias?
  • Symptoms can include pain, discomfort, a visible bulge in the groin or thigh, and sometimes nausea.
  • How are femoral and inguinal hernias treated?
  • Surgery is usually required to repair the hernia and prevent complications.
  • What causes femoral and inguinal hernias?
  • Causes include strain, heavy lifting, obesity, and weakened abdominal muscles.

 

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