Preparing for femoral hernia repair surgery

Written in association with: Mr Dominic Coull
Published: | Updated: 28/04/2023
Edited by: Sophie Kennedy

A femoral hernia is a protrusion of abdominal contents felt as a noticeable lump in your groin. This type of hernia occurs more commonly in women and is found just below the groin crease at the top of the thigh, adjacent to the femoral artery and vein, giving the condition its name. In this article, respected consultant laparoscopic, general and colorectal surgeon Mr Dominic Coull gives expert insight on how patients can best prepare for reparative surgery.

 

 

 

 

What are the benefits of surgery to repair a femoral hernia?

The Royal College of Surgeons and The British Hernia Society recommend that femoral hernias are surgically repaired where safe to do so because if left they are associated with a high likelihood of further complications. These complications relate to the bowel becoming trapped resulting in either of the following:

 

  • incarcerated hernia: a loop of bowel becomes trapped within the hernia, causing intestinal obstruction which is a surgical emergency and can be fatal
  • strangulated hernia: the trapped bowel loses its blood supply, making it devascularised and requiring emergency surgical removal

 

Both of these conditions can prove fatal if the trapped bowel perforates causing peritonitis. A femoral hernia cannot repair itself, so surgery is the only treatment option available.

 

 

What does a femoral hernia repair involve?

Femoral hernia repair can usually be performed by either laparoscopic (keyhole) or open surgery through a small incision in the groin. The decision about which type of surgery can be made with your surgeon based on your needs, health and other factors, such as your suitability for general anaesthetic. You may also have a pre-operative appointment with a nurse who will run through a standard list of pre-operative questions and usually take some routine blood samples and an ECG to check your overall health before undergoing the procedure.

 

 

How can I optimise the chances of my surgery being successful?

Those who smoke should look to stop completely for at least two weeks before surgery to reduce their risk of complications. Patients who are diabetic should try to keep their blood sugar levels as well controlled as possible prior to surgery.

 

Being overweight can increase the likelihood of complications in surgery. Additionally, it is important to note that completing thirty minutes of exercise three times a week prior to surgery will improve your ability to cope with the anaesthetic. However, it is very important not do any heavy lifting or exercises which make your groin pain worse

 

To reduce the possibility of a wound infection:

  • do not shave or wax the area within 7 days of your surgery
  • have a bath or shower beforehand on the day of the operation
  • keep warm on the day of surgery prior to going to the operating theatre

 

 

How long does it take to recover after femoral hernia repair surgery?

You should keep mobile if possible, but only to a comfortable level, from the day after surgery such as a short walk, without putting excessive strain on the wound. Most surgeons now use surgical glue for most wounds which means that you can safely shower or bath from the day after surgery.

 

Legally, you are allowed to drive when you can make an emergency stop at the normal speed whilst the ignition is switched off. I normally recommend going back to driving after surgery after 4-5 days but it may be possible sooner, especially if your surgery is on the left side and you drive an automatic car.

 

You can return to normal physical and sexual activity as soon as comfortable but you shouldn’t lift heavy objects until at four weeks after surgery. Most patients take two weeks off work but are able to work from home during that time.

 

 

If you require femoral hernia repair surgery and wish to discuss your case further, you can book a consultation with Mr Coull by visiting his Top Doctors profile.

By Mr Dominic Coull
Colorectal surgery

Mr Dominic Coull is a leading consultant laparoscopic general and colorectal surgeon whose main specialty is hernia surgery. He is based in Reading and is an examiner for The Royal College of Surgeons. Mr Coull's areas of expertise further lie in minimally-invasive hernia surgery, modern minimally-invasive management of haemorrhoids and colonoscopy alongside laparoscopic colorectal surgery, colorectal cancer and investigation of rectal bleeding. Mr Coull also specialises in altered bowel habits (diarrhoea, constipation), ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease as well as pilonidal sinus surgery, anal fistula and anal fissure treatment and skin lesion removal.

He qualified in 1995 from the University of London and obtained a subsequent Masters of Surgery degree in Inflammatory Bowel Disease. After further training, he obtained a prestigious laparoscopic surgical fellowship in colorectal and general surgery jointly at two world-renowned surgical units in Basingstoke and Frimley, before being appointed as a consultant at the Royal Berkshire Hospital. Here, he initiated the provision of laparoscopic TEP hernia repairs and laparoscopic colorectal surgery there.

Mr Coull has acquired a vast amount of training and experience in his field and is considered an expert in laparoscopic surgery across Europe. Alongside his consultancy work, he is on the teaching faculty to train other European consultants at surgical training facilities in Paris, Hamburg and the UK.

He currently practices privately at the Circle Reading Hospital and Spire Dunedin Hospital. He prides himself on delivering first-rate, reassuring and honest consultations with his patients to support and guide them through their surgical procedures.

His average length of stay for patients following colorectal cancer surgery is three days contrasted with the national average of eight days. Additionally, his successful colonoscopy completion rate stands at 99 per cent - well above the national requirement of 90 per cent.

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