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  |  Experts  |  Ask the Doctor  |  Hernias explained
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Some surprising facts from the Colonel

Hernias explained

by Dr. Sarah Brewer

question
I have been diagnosed with femoral hernia, which I am to have removed by surgery. I am worried that it may be an obturator hernia instead. Will they see that during surgery?

answer
You don't need to worry. The two types of hernia are very different. A femoral hernia occurs at the weakness where the femoral vein and artery pass from the abdomen into the thigh. It is more common in women, especially those who are overweight, and forms a bulge at the top of the leg. An obturator hernia is an extremely rare form of abdominal hernia which, again, happens mostly in women. This hernia protrudes from the pelvic cavity through an opening in your pelvic bone (obturator foramen). This does not cause any external bulge but can (like a femoral hernia) cause bowel obstruction with nausea and vomiting. If you have been examined and a femoral hernia identified this will be correctly treated. If you have concerns however do discuss them with your surgeon before the operation.
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