Name of the Procedure:

Repair of Initial Femoral Hernia, Any Age; Incarcerated or Strangulated
Common name(s): Femoral hernia repair, herniorrhaphy
Technical term: Femoral herniorrhaphy, incarcerated or strangulated

Summary

In this procedure, a surgeon repairs a femoral hernia that has become trapped (incarcerated) or has cut off its own blood supply (strangulated). This type of hernia occurs near the thigh and can be dangerous if not treated urgently.

Purpose

This procedure addresses femoral hernias that have either become non-reducible (incarcerated) or have compromised blood flow (strangulated). The primary goals are to relieve pain, prevent further complications, and restore normal function.

Indications

• Severe groin or thigh pain
• Nausea or vomiting
• Swelling or a noticeable bulge in the groin
• Symptoms that indicate blood supply to the hernia is compromised
• Diagnosis confirmed through physical exam or imaging indicating incarceration or strangulation

Preparation

• Fasting for at least 8 hours before the procedure
• Adjustments to regular medications as directed by the physician
• Preoperative blood tests and imaging studies
• Arrangements for transportation and post-procedure care

Procedure Description

1. Anesthesia: Administered general or regional anesthesia.
2. Incision: A small incision is made near the location of the hernia.
3. Hernia Reduction: The trapped or strangulated tissue is gently pushed back into place.
4. Repair: The femoral canal is reinforced, often with synthetic mesh to strengthen the area and prevent recurrence.
5. Closure: The incision is closed with sutures or staples.

Tools: Surgical instruments, synthetic mesh, sutures or staples.

Duration

The procedure typically takes 1 to 2 hours.

Setting

Performed in a hospital surgical suite or an outpatient surgical center.

Personnel

• Surgeons specialized in hernia repairs
• Anesthesiologists
• Surgical nurses and technicians

Risks and Complications

• Infection at the surgical site
• Bleeding or hematoma formation
• Recurrence of the hernia
• Damage to nearby structures (e.g., blood vessels, nerves)
• Anesthesia-related complications

Benefits

Effective at relieving pain and other symptoms of femoral hernia. Reduced risk of complications associated with an untreated incarcerated or strangulated hernia.

Recovery

• Initial recovery in a post-anesthesia care unit (PACU)
• Discharge on the same day or within a few days if hospitalized
• Instructions to avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activities for several weeks
• Follow-up appointments to monitor healing and recovery

Alternatives

• Non-surgical monitoring (not recommended for incarcerated/strangulated hernias)
• Emergency surgery if condition worsens, but planned surgery is preferred to manage risks
• Potential use of minimally invasive techniques in some cases

Patient Experience

During the procedure, the patient will be under anesthesia and will not feel pain. Postoperative discomfort may be managed with prescribed pain medications. Patients should expect some swelling and bruising around the surgical site, with gradual improvement over several weeks.