A femoral hernia occurs when part of the intestine pushes though a weak spot in the groin area in the upper thigh. Femoral hernias are an uncommon type of hernia, and they are very rare in children.
In severe cases, the hernia can block blood supply to the part of the intestine or bowel trapped inside the hernia. This is called a strangulated hernia and can be a life-threatening condition.
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What are the signs and symptoms of a femoral hernia?
Symptoms or a femoral hernia may include:
- A small lump on the inner thigh
- Discomfort or pain in the groin area
What causes a femoral hernia?
Femoral hernias can occur when the muscles in the groin are weakened. In children, this is usually due to another medical condition.
How are femoral hernias treated?
Femoral hernias do not close on their own, so the only treatment is surgery to close the hernia. At Connecticut Children’s, our surgeons use minimally invasive techniques whenever possible.