Treatment FAQ

what tests determines if you have a femoral hernia and treatment for it

by Prof. Abigale Eichmann Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago

Ultrasoundmay be used to see a femoral hernia, and abdominal X-rays may be ordered to determine if a bowel obstruction is present. What Are the Treatments for A Hernia? In babies, umbilical hernias may heal themselves within four years, making surgery unnecessary.

Ultrasound of the abdominal and groin area can confirm the diagnosis or establish a diagnosis if suspicion of a femoral hernia is high but no bulge is evident on physical examination. Imaging technology can show the defect in the muscle wall, as well as the protruding tissue.

Full Answer

Does a femoral hernia always require surgery?

When is surgery needed? Femoral hernias can be repaired using surgery to push the bulge back into place and strengthen the weakness in the wall of the tummy. Unlike some other types of hernia, treatment of femoral hernias is almost always recommended straight away because there's a higher risk of complications developing in these cases.

How to assess hernia?

To differentiate between direct and indirect inguinal hernias:

  1. Locate the deep inguinal ring (midway between the anterior superior iliac spine and pubic tubercle).
  2. Manually reduce the patient’s hernia by compressing it towards the deep inguinal ring starting at the inferior aspect of the hernia.
  3. Once the hernia is reduced, apply pressure over the deep inguinal ring and ask the patient to cough.

What are the symptoms of femoral hernia?

Symptoms of this complication include:

  • sudden, worsening pain and extreme tenderness around a hernia
  • fever
  • nausea
  • rapid heart rate
  • skin redness around the bulge
  • vomiting

How to check for an inguinal hernia?

  • A bulge in your groin area: If so, you may have a direct or indirect hernia.
  • You will see swelling in the lower part of your abdomen that extends down toward or even into your scrotum.
  • A bulge on the thigh below your groin: This is most likely a femoral hernia.

More items...

Can I get a hernia after having a herniated disc surgery years ago?

This depends on the type of surgery. For example, re-herniation of the disc doesn't occur after a total discectomy because the disc is completely r...

Can a hernia go away and come back?

Yes. In fact, it's quite common for you to not feel the hernia all the time. They usually become more prominent when you strain or sit up.

Is it possible to get two groin hernias at once after lifting heavy weights?

Yes. Lifting a heavy weight can bring on a hernia in the groin, especially if you're not used to it. Getting two hernias at the same time is unusua...

Could a hiatal hernia cause mucus in your stool?

Not usually. A hiatal hernia would more likely make you feel heartburn or indigestion. If you are experiencing mucus in your stool, then you should...

Can a hernia return after many years on the opposite side of groin?

A hernia can occur on either side of the groin. If it is on a different side, then it is a different hernia (not the same one from may years ago).

When to see a doctor for a femoral hernia?

The doctor will decide if treatment is necessary. Anyone with symptoms of a strangulated hernia should call the emergency service immediately. Emergency medical attention is essential and may be life-saving.

What is a femoral hernia repair?

Femoral hernia repair is a procedure to fix the weak portion of the muscle wall. This intervention stops internal tissues from pushing through and causing a bulge. Moderate and severe hernias typically require surgery.

What happens if a femoral hernia is strangulated?

Complications. If a femoral hernia becomes trapped, obstructed, or strangulated, it can cause additional symptoms and complications. A strangulated hernia is a life-threatening situation that requires immediate medical attention.

How many percent of femoral hernias do not receive a diagnosis?

Between 35 and 40 percent of femoral hernias do not receive a diagnosis until the person experiences hernia strangulation or bowel obstruction. Research. Trusted Source. suggests that there is a 10-fold increase in the risk of death in these acute cases.

What causes a femoral hernia?

A femoral hernia occurs when tissue pushes through a weak spot in the muscle wall of the groin or inner thigh. Common causes include being overweight and overstraining while coughing, exercising, or passing stool. Symptoms of a femoral hernia include a lump in the groin or inner thigh and groin discomfort. It may cause stomach pain and vomiting in ...

Why is it necessary to repair a femoral hernia?

Typically, surgical repair is necessary because femoral hernias can lead to severe complications. In this article, we discuss the causes and symptoms of a femoral hernia, how to get a diagnosis, when to see a doctor, and potential treatment options.

How to recover from a femoral hernia?

During recovery people will typically need to: take pain medication to alleviate discomfort. restrict their activities and movements for several weeks. eat a healthful diet to prevent constipation and straining.

How to diagnose a hernia?

How Is a Hernia Diagnosed? A physical exam by your health care provider is often enough to diagnose a hernia. Sometimes hernia swelling is visible when you stand upright; usually, the hernia can be felt if you place your hand directly over it and then bear down.

What is the procedure for a hernia?

Conventional Medicine for a Hernia. Hernia surgery is performed under either local or general anesthesia. The surgeon repositions the herniated tissue and, if strangulation has occurred, removes the oxygen-starved part of the organ. The damaged muscle wall will frequently be repaired with synthetic mesh or tissue.

How long does it take to recover from a hernia surgery?

Complete recovery usually takes three to four weeks, with no heavy lifting for two to three months.

What happens if you have a strangulated hernia?

A strangulated intestinal hernia may result in intestinal obstruction, causing the abdomen to swell.

How to tell if you have a femoral hernia?

Femoral Hernia symptoms. You will have a lump or swelling in the groin area. The lump will be slightly below that of an Inguinal hernia, although it is nearly impossible to tell sometimes. Pain in the groin is usually felt when exercising. Coughing and sneezing may not trigger pain as often as an inguinal.

What does a femoral hernia look like?

A Femoral hernia will look like swelling in your upper thigh or front of your hip. They occur just below Inguinal ones, at a weak point called the femoral canal. They are more common in women, especially older and frail women.

Which is more common, a femoral hernia or an inguinal hernia

Femoral Hernia. A Femoral hernia is the next most common type after Inguinal. They occur lower down into the top of the leg, are more common in women and usually smaller than Inguinal hernias.

What happens if you leave a hernia?

The tissues are at risk of complications such as strangulation or pinching. If left, this can cause intestinal blockages which may cut off the blood supply. This will eventually result in tissue death and potentially fatal consequences.

How to tell if you have a hernia?

1. Investigate possible symptoms or signs of a hernia. Hernias may be caused by a host of different factors. Once they are formed, they may or may not present pain. Look for these symptoms, especially for hernias located in the abdominal or groin region: You see swelling where the pain is located.

Where do you find a hernia?

1. Check for hernias that occur around the stomach, abdomen, or chest. A hernia can affect different areas of your body in different ways, although a hernia in or around the stomach area may be the most common type of hernia. These hernias include: Hiatal hernia affects the upper part of your stomach.

What are the two types of hernias?

There are two types of hiatal hernia: sliding or paraesophageal. Hiatal hernias occur in people of both sexes, and are typically more common in people over the age of 50 and those who are obese. [2] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source.

What is hiatus in a hernia?

Hiatal hernia affects the upper part of your stomach. The hiatus is an opening in the diaphragm that separates the chest area from the abdomen. [1] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source.

What is a hernia called when the body loses blood?

Check with a doctor to confirm a hernia. Some hernias are what doctors called "trapped" or "strangulated," meaning that the organ in question loses blood supply or blocks intestinal flow. These hernias require immediate medical attention. Set up an appointment and meet with a doctor.

Can anal hernia cause rectum to extend out?

Anal hernia, or rectal prolapse, may cause the entire rectum to extend out of the anus, or may only push a part through. Anal hernias are rare and can affect anyone, but are more likely to be seen in older adults with a history of constipation or weak pelvic floors.

Can a hernia be caused by a mesh?

Often, mesh lining is incorrectly installed and the intestines slip out of the mesh, causing a hernia. Umbilical hernia are especially common among infants. When the baby cries, a lump around the belly button area usually protrudes. [4]

What are the symptoms of an external hernia?

An external hernia is the one in which a bulge can be seen or felt. For instance, umbilical hernias, femoral hernias, incisional hernias and inguinal hernias are types of external hernia. While an internal hernia is the ones that do not create any bulge or swelling.

What is a hernia in men?

Hiatal hernia is an example. A visible lump or bulge near the groin or abdomen. A bulge that pushes back or disappears when you are lying down. The size of the bulge increases over time. In men, swelling, pain or bulging in the groin or scrotum. Pain, burning or aching sensation near the bulge.

Where do hernias develop?

The doctor first checks the location of the hernia to check the kind of hernia you have developed. Firstly, a hernia can occur in any part of the body but a hernia mostly likely develops in or around the stomach area. The types of hernia that develop in and around the stomach, abdomen or chest are-. Hiatal hernia– This hernia occurs in the upper ...

What is the procedure to see if you have a tear in your abdomen?

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)– An MRI scan largely detects a tear in the abdominal muscles when there is extreme pain but not bulge present. This procedure uses radio magnetic waves to create images of the abdomen. After analyzing the test results, the doctor prescribes the treatment.

Can you leave a hernia untreated?

Leaving a hernia untreated for long is not advisable. This can lead to the strangulation (blood supply cut off) of the protruded organ. This can turn out to be fatal which can lead to infection, gangrene, intestinal perforation, shock, or even death.

Does a hernia get worse?

Firstly, the short answer to the question of whether a hernia will get worse or not is a simple yes. The longer you ignore it, the worse it gets. What started as discomfort or swelling can turn into something fatal. The pain can spread from the affected area to the hip, back, or lower portion of the body. The pain can affect all aspects of your ...

Can a hernia cause acid reflux?

Weakness or feeling pressure in the groins. A feeling of being full or bowel obstruction. Although there are no most common symptoms of hiatal hernia, it does cause acid reflux. Some of the symptoms of acid reflux are-. Heartburn which means there is a burning sensation in the upper chest.

How to tell if you have a hernia?

Sometimes, symptoms improve when you’re lying down. Doctors at NYU Langone typically diagnose a hernia by taking a medical history and performing a physical exam.

What is the best test for pelvic pain?

Ultrasound. Your doctor may recommend an ultrasound if you are a woman of childbearing age. This test allows doctors to check for other pelvic conditions, such as ovarian cysts or fibroids, that can cause abdominal pain. This test uses sound waves to create images of the abdomen and pelvic organs.

Why do you need a CT scan for abdominal pain?

This procedure uses X-rays to create images of the abdomen and its organs.

What causes a hernia in the groin?

Causes of hernia include obesity, pregnancy, or prior abdominal surgery. Sometimes, people are born with ...

Can an MRI show a hernia?

This is because, in some people, participation in sports can cause a hernia that has no visible bulge initially. An MRI scan can detect a tear in the abdominal muscles.

How to diagnose an inguinal hernia?

A physical exam is usually all that's needed to diagnose an inguinal hernia. Your doctor will check for a bulge in the groin area. Because standing and coughing can make a hernia more prominent, you'll likely be asked to stand and cough or strain.

How to treat a small hernia?

Treatment. If your hernia is small and isn't bothering you, your doctor might recommend watchful waiting. Sometimes, wearing a supportive truss may help relieve symptoms, but check with your doctor first because it's important that the truss fits properly, and is being used appropriately. In children, the doctor might try applying manual pressure ...

How does an open hernia repair work?

In this procedure, which might be done with local anesthesia and sedation or general anesthesia, the surgeon makes an incision in your groin and pushes the protruding tissue back into your abdomen. The surgeon then sews the weakened area, often reinforcing it with a synthetic mesh (hernioplasty).

How does a hernia surgery work?

The surgeon may use laparoscopic or robotic instruments to repair your hernia. Gas is used to inflate your abdomen to make the internal organs easier to see.

Can a hernia recur after surgery?

Minimally invasive hernia surgery allows the surgeon to avoid scar tissue from an earlier hernia repair, so it might be a good choice for people whose hernias recur after open hernia surgery. It also might be a good choice for people with hernias on both sides of the body (bilateral).

What doctor can diagnose a hiatal hernia?

If you've been diagnosed with a hiatal hernia and your problems persist after you make lifestyle changes and start medication, you might be referred to a doctor who specializes in digestive diseases (gastroenterologist).

What is the procedure to see the upper intestine?

These tests or procedures include: X-ray of your upper digestive system. X-rays are taken after you drink a chalky liquid that coats and fills the inside lining of your digestive tract. The coating allows your doctor to see a silhouette of your esophagus, stomach and upper intestine. Upper endoscopy.

What is the procedure to insert a tube down your throat and into your esophagus?

Endoscopy. Endoscopy. An endoscopy procedure involves inserting a long, flexible tube (endoscope) down your throat and into your esophagus. A tiny camera on the end of the endoscope lets your doctor examine your esophagus, stomach and the beginning of your small intestine (duodenum). A hiatal hernia is often discovered during a test ...

Do you need surgery for a hernia?

Most people with a hiatal hernia don't experience any signs or symptoms and won't need treatment. If you experience signs and symptoms, such as recurrent heartburn and acid reflux, you may need medication or surgery.

What is the best test for hiatal hernia?

Barium Study. The preferred method of diagnosis of a hiatal hernia is an upper gastrointestinal (GI) barium study . Commonly referred to as a barium swallow, the test requires you to drink roughly one-and-a-half cups of chalky fluid containing barium sulfate and, about 30 minutes later, undergo a series of X-rays.

How to tell if you have a hernia?

You’ll need a medical test to tell definitely if you have a hiatal hernia. In some instances, a hernia may be large enough for you to feel through your skin, which would result in the opening around your diaphragm being enlarged. 4 However, usually, hiatal hernias are much too small to be felt with your own hands.

What is esophageal manometry?

Esophageal manometry is a newer technology that evaluates how the muscles of the esophagus and esophageal sphincter (valve) are functioning; while a possible diagnostic test, it is not commonly done. 1  Esophageal manometry can help your doctor identify motor dysfunctions, such as dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), and how your hernia may be contributing to them.

How to monitor pH in esophagus?

Esophageal pH monitoring is a test used to record changes in the acidity of your esophagus over a period of time (as measured by the pH ). 1  It also involves the insertion of a tube-like sensor through the nostril which is connected to a monitor you wear on your belt. During the next 24 hours, the monitor registers every time you experience acid reflux and records the varying changes in pH levels. Again here, while a possible test for diagnosing hiatal hernia, it is not commonly used.

What is hiatal hernia classified as?

Once a hiatal hernia is diagnosed it is classified by type, which can help direct treatment and/or be used to monitor any changes in your condition. The types are classified by the size and characteristics of the hernia:

What is the procedure for a hiatal hernia?

Upper GI Endoscopy. A hiatal hernia can also be diagnosed with a procedure known an upper GI endoscopy. This is a direct viewing method in which a flexible scope, called an endoscope, is inserted into your throat to get live images of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum (the first part of the small intestines).

What type of hernia doesn't slide out of the hiatus?

Type 2 is a paraesophageal hernia , which doesn't slide in and out of the hiatus but remains relatively fixed next to the esophagus. Type 3 occurs when the gastroesophageal junction (the junction between the esophagus and stomach) begins to bulge through the hiatus.

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