Risk factors and surgical treatment methods in femoral hernia

Abstract

Aim: Femoral hernias are more common in the right groin and in the female population. Elective hernia surgery after diagnosis is the most suitable option for femoral hernias, due to fewer complications and shorter length of hospitalization. In this study, we analysed the factors affecting clinical outcomes in patients undergoing urgent or elective early surgery, due to femoral hernia. Materials and methods: In this retrospective study, all elective and urgent femoral hernias that were operated between January 2017 and January 2020 were analysed. Routine imaging tests were not applied to the patients and ultrasonography (USG) was applied in the presence of clinical suspicion. Results: 38 femoral hernia patients were operated on during the 3 years observation period. According to the type of surgery, 30 patients underwent hernia repair with mesh and 8 patients underwent suture repair. Of the 28 patients operated electively, 5 were male and 23 were female. 17 of the patients were right and 11 were left femoral hernia. Of the 10 patients who were operated urgently due to strangulation or incarceration, 4 were male and 6 were female. 7 of the patients were right and 3 were left femoral hernia. 3 of the urgently operated patients underwent intestinal resection due to strangulation. Conclusion: Femoral hernias were more common in women and especially in the right side, and emergent femoral hernia surgery resulted in more intestinal resection and longer patient hospitalization. In particular, we think that the application of USG with physical examination in women will increase the diagnosis rates of femoral hernias. In addition, we think that the diagnosis of preoperative femoral hernia will decrease recurrence rates by choosing the right surgical technique.