Femoral Hernia Surgery in Ankara, Turkey

Femoral hernia surgery is the surgical repair of a hernia that forms in the area below the groin where the blood vessels pass. This procedure prevents serious complications such as bowel entrapment and circulatory impairment. The surgical method is generally safe and provides a permanent treatment.

In the treatment of femoral hernia, surgical approaches can be performed with an open or laparoscopic method. Open surgery provides direct repair, while the laparoscopic method offers the advantages of faster recovery and less pain. Both techniques aim to reduce the risk of hernia recurrence.

In the early period after hernia repair, rest and pain control are important. Patients are advised to avoid heavy lifting and to increase circulation with walks. Regular follow-up examinations are critical for monitoring the healing process.

Complications after femoral hernia surgery are rare. Although there is a possibility of infection, hematoma, or recurrence, this rate is low with modern surgical techniques. Proper surgical planning and individualized treatment provide successful long-term results.

You can contact Prof. Dr. Ebru Soy, one of the doctors performing Femoral Hernia Surgery in Ankara, to get information about Femoral Hernia Surgery prices, the process, and the hospital where Femoral Hernia Surgery is performed.

What Is Femoral Hernia (Femoral Hernia) Surgery?

To understand what this surgery means, it is first necessary to understand what a femoral hernia is and why it requires a different approach than other hernias. A femoral hernia is the protrusion of intra-abdominal tissues (most commonly the intestine or intra-abdominal fat) through a narrow passage called the femoral canal, located next to the main blood vessels that go to the leg. This is a rarer type among groin hernias, but its severity is much higher.

The most important feature that distinguishes this hernia from others and makes it dangerous is the anatomical structure of the opening it passes through. The femoral canal is like a very narrow tunnel surrounded by rigid, non-stretchable structures such as the inguinal ligament and pelvic bone. Once the hernia slips out through this narrow opening, the risk of it becoming trapped and unable to go back in is quite high. This trapped condition is known as hernia strangulation and can lead to impaired blood circulation, turning into an emergency surgical situation. The fact that this dangerous situation occurs in about one in five femoral hernias explains why this type of hernia must be taken seriously as soon as it is diagnosed.

Some distinguishing features of femoral hernia are as follows:

• More common in women
• It usually appears as a swelling below the groin crease
• It carries a high risk of strangulation (incarceration)
• It often requires emergency surgery
• It can be dangerous even though it is small

The reason it is more common in women is that the female pelvic anatomy is wider, which naturally leaves the femoral canal slightly larger. Conditions that increase intra-abdominal pressure, such as pregnancy, chronic cough, or heavy lifting, can trigger the development of a hernia through this potential weakness.

As a result, femoral hernia surgery is a repair procedure that aims to permanently close this narrow and risky canal and protect the tissues within it, eliminating not only a discomfort but also a potential life-threatening danger.

In Which Situations Is Femoral Hernia (Femoral Hernia) Surgery Performed?

The answer to this question is much clearer than for many other types of hernia. The moment a femoral hernia is diagnosed, a necessity for surgery has arisen. While a “wait and see” approach may be an option for some small and asymptomatic groin hernias, this is absolutely not the case for femoral hernias. Whether the hernia causes symptoms, pain, or is small does not change the decision for surgery.

The main reason for this is the very high risk of strangulation and impaired blood circulation due to the narrow and rigid structure of the canal through which the hernia protrudes, as mentioned earlier. This risk exists at every moment the hernia is present and it is unpredictable when it will occur. Therefore, the only way to eliminate the risk is to repair the hernia surgically. The decision for surgery usually comes up under two different scenarios.

Elective Surgery: This is the most ideal and safest scenario. The patient notices the swelling in the groin area or the hernia is detected incidentally during a doctor’s examination performed for another reason. At this stage, the hernia is usually painless and has not yet created an emergency. The goal in this case is to repair the hernia to prevent a potential danger, while the patient’s general health is at its best and the surgical conditions are most suitable. After diagnosis, surgery is usually planned within a few weeks without waiting for a long time.

Emergency Surgery: This is the scenario that becomes mandatory when the hernia is strangulated and turns into an urgent health problem. In such a case, time is critical to save the patient’s life. Symptoms requiring emergency surgery usually start suddenly and worsen rapidly.

Symptoms indicating an emergency are as follows:

• Sudden hardening of the swelling in the groin area
• The swelling becoming very painful and tender
• Not going back in when pressed
• Redness or bruising in skin color
• Severe abdominal pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Inability to pass gas or stool

These symptoms may indicate impaired blood circulation in the intestine within the hernia, and this condition can lead to irreversible tissue damage within minutes. Therefore, it is vital for a person experiencing such symptoms to apply to the nearest emergency department without delay.

What Are the Risks of Femoral Hernia (Femoral Hernia) Surgery?

Femoral hernia surgery is a very safe and successful operation when performed by experienced surgeons. However, as with every surgical procedure, it should not be forgotten that this surgery also inherently carries certain risks and undesirable situations (complications). Knowing these risks helps you both have the right expectations before surgery and understand what you should pay attention to during the postoperative period.

We can examine the risks in two groups: general and surgery-specific. There are general risks that can be encountered in any surgery:

These are as follows:

• Reactions related to anesthesia
• Bleeding in the surgical area
• Development of infection at the wound site
• Blood clot formation in the leg veins

There are also some special risks that may occur directly due to the hernia surgery itself:

These special risks are as follows:

• Seroma or hematoma accumulation
• Chronic groin pain
• Hernia recurrence
• Injury to adjacent organs and blood vessels

Seroma and Hematoma: After surgery, accumulation of some body fluid (seroma) or blood (hematoma) in the space where the hernia was is a common condition. This manifests as swelling in the surgical area and may cause concern in patients that the hernia has recurred. However, most of the time these fluids are absorbed by the body on their own within a few weeks and disappear.

Chronic Pain: Pain that lasts longer than three months after surgery and affects quality of life is defined as chronic pain. This is one of the most bothersome complications of hernia surgeries. The cause may be damage to, stretching of, or reactions related to the mesh affecting sensory nerves in the groin area during surgery. This pain can have different characteristics such as burning, stinging, or numbness.

Hernia Recurrence: Thanks to mesh repair techniques used in modern surgery, the risk of recurrence has fallen below 1%. However, the hernia may still recur due to reasons such as an error in the repair technique, an insufficiently sized mesh, or the patient straining themselves in the early postoperative period.

Adjacent Organ Injuries: Although it is a very rare risk, injuries may occur to structures very close to the surgical area such as the femoral vessels, the urinary bladder, or the intestines. This risk is somewhat higher especially in patients who have previously had surgery in the same area and in closed (laparoscopic) surgeries.

How Is Femoral Hernia (Femoral Hernia) Surgery Performed?

There is no single standard method for femoral hernia surgery. Which technique will be used is determined individually based on whether the surgery is an emergency, the condition of the hernia, the patient’s general health conditions, and the surgeon’s experience. However, the main goal is always the same: to return the herniated tissues back into the abdomen and to close the weak point from which the hernia protrudes securely. For this repair, there are basically two different philosophies and two different approaches:

Suture Repair: This is the oldest and traditional method. The hernia opening is closed by bringing the surrounding strong tissues closer together with sutures. However, this method creates tension in the tissues. This tension can both increase postoperative pain and raise the risk of recurrence over time as the sutures weaken. Therefore, it is not preferred in planned surgeries today. However, in emergency surgeries, especially in cases where part of the intestine must be resected due to strangulation and the surgical field is infected, placing a synthetic mesh would be risky, so suture repair is still the safest option.

Mesh Repair: This is the method that forms the basis of modern hernia surgery. The hernia opening is closed with a synthetic, body-compatible material called mesh. This mesh strengthens the area without creating tension, like plaster applied to a weakened wall. Over time, the body heals into the pores of this mesh, creating a much stronger tissue layer. Thanks to this tension-free repair principle, postoperative pain is less and the risk of recurrence decreases significantly. This is the gold standard method in planned femoral hernia surgeries.

Open Surgery: The surgeon reaches the hernia area directly through a single skin incision. This approach also has different types. In planned and simple hernias, a small incision made just over the hernia swelling may be sufficient. This method can even be performed under local anesthesia. However, in emergency and strangulated hernias, the safest open approach is to reach the hernia from behind by entering through the lower abdominal wall (similar to a cesarean incision). This method allows the surgeon to clearly evaluate the condition of the intestine within the hernia and, if necessary, to intervene through the same incision, thus eliminating the need for a second large incision.

Closed (Laparoscopic) Surgery: In this method, several small (approximately 1 cm) openings are made in the abdominal wall. A camera and thin surgical instruments are inserted through these openings. The surgery is performed by watching a magnified view of the hernia area on a screen via the camera. The repair is carried out from behind the hernia, that is, from the inner surface of the abdominal wall. A large mesh is laid on the inside of the abdominal wall, covering not only the femoral hernia opening but also all potential hernia areas in that region.

Some advantages of the laparoscopic (closed) method are as follows:

• Less postoperative pain
• Faster recovery process
• Quicker return to normal activities and work
• Smaller scars and better cosmetic results
• The ability to detect a possible hidden hernia on the opposite side

However, laparoscopic surgery requires general anesthesia and is technically a more complex procedure. Deciding together with your surgeon which method is most suitable for you, considering all these factors, is the most appropriate approach.

The Process After Femoral Hernia (Femoral Hernia) Surgery

Successfully completing your surgery is only half of the process. Taking the right steps during the recovery period and following certain rules both ensure that you have a comfortable convalescence and guarantee the permanence of the repair. The postoperative process usually begins in the hospital and continues at home.

Most patients are able to go home on the day of surgery or the next morning. When you return home, it is very important to give your body time to heal. It is normal to feel pain and fatigue during the first few days. For pain control, you should use the painkillers prescribed by your doctor regularly. Taking the medication at the specified times, without waiting for the pain to become severe, will be more effective.

Nutrition plays a key role in this process. One of the biggest enemies after surgery is constipation. Straining puts serious pressure on the sutures and mesh in the surgical area, causing both pain and potential damage to the repair. Therefore, you should be proactive to prevent constipation.

Some foods you can consume to prevent constipation.

• Dried prunes and apricots
• Oatmeal
• Pears and apples
• Broccoli and other leafy green vegetables
• Legumes such as chickpeas and lentils
• Plenty of water

Getting up and taking short walks immediately after surgery is very important to stimulate blood circulation and reduce the risk of clots. You can gradually increase your walking distance and duration each day. However, you should avoid sudden and strenuous movements. Caring for your wound site is also quite simple. It is usually recommended to keep it dry for the first few days. You can shower with your doctor’s approval, but you should avoid scrubbing or rubbing the wound site, and gently patting it dry with a clean towel after showering is sufficient.

What Those Who Have Femoral Hernia (Femoral Hernia) Surgery Should Pay Attention To

In the postoperative period, there are some vital rules and warning signs you should pay attention to in order to both speed up your recovery and prevent your hernia from recurring. Following these rules directly affects the long-term success of your surgery.

The most important rule is to avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activities. The first 4 to 6 weeks after surgery are a critical period during which the mesh integrates with the body tissues and the repair reaches its strongest state. During this period, lifting objects heavier than 5-10 kilograms, straining, doing strenuous abdominal exercises, or making sudden movements may cause the repair to weaken and the hernia to recur. You can do your daily light activities and walks, but you should listen to the signals your body gives you and rest when you feel tired.

Your return-to-work time depends on the nature of your job. If you work in a light job such as desk work, you can return to work within 2-3 weeks. However, if you have a job that requires physical strength, you may need to wait 4-6 weeks or longer to heal and return to work safely. You can start driving when you stop taking narcotic painkillers and when you can press the brake without pain in an emergency.

Finally, it is vital that you are attentive to certain warning signs and contact your doctor immediately if you notice any of these signs.

The “red flag” symptoms that require you to call your doctor are as follows:

• High fever (above 38.3°C)
• Increasing redness, swelling, or warmth at the surgical wound
• Purulent or foul-smelling discharge from the wound site
• Worsening pain that does not respond to painkillers
• Persistent nausea or vomiting
• Abnormal swelling in the abdomen or groin
• Inability to urinate

By paying attention to these simple but important rules, you can both have a smooth recovery process and leave the hernia problem behind permanently.