Preparing for femoral hernia repair surgery

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.