Femoral hernia

Alternative names:

hernia - femoral

Definition:

A protrusion of a loop of the intestine through a weakened abdominal wall, located in the lower abdomen near the thigh.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Usually there is no apparent cause of a hernia, although it is commonly thought to be the result of lifting a heavy object. A hernia occurs when part of an organ protrudes through a weak point or tear in the thin muscular wall that holds the abdominal organs in place. With a femoral hernia, a bulge is usually produced in the upper part of the thigh. A femoral hernia may become strangulated (the loop of bowel becomes closed off). Nausea and vomiting may occur with a strangulated hernia.