Femoral hernia: a review of 83 cases
1First Department of Surgery, Vakif Gureba Training Hospital, Mevlana Mah. Hekim Suyu Cad., Dostluk Sitesi D 1 Blok D:13, 34080, Kucukkoy, Istanbul, Turkey. oalimoglu@yahoo.com
Abstract:
We evaluate the factors that affect morbidity and mortality in patients who underwent surgery due to femoral hernia. The medical records of 83 patients who underwent femoral hernia repair between January 1996 and June 2004 were retrospectively analyzed. The femoral hernias were repaired either with McVay or mesh plug hernioplasty. Sex, age, surgical repair technique, presence of incarceration/strangulation, incarcerated/strangulated organs, postoperative complications, duration of hospitalization, recurrence rate, and factors that affect mortality and morbidity were studied. There were 83 patients with femoral hernia in our study. Patients' age ranged from 10 to 75 years (mean age was 46.84) with a predominance of female (71%). Thirty-six patients (40%) underwent emergency surgery with the diagnosis of strangulation or incarceration of femoral hernia. Seventeen patients had strangulation and underwent resection; eleven of these patients had omentum in the hernial sac, whereas six patients had intestines. Four of these patients underwent laparotomy. The remaining 19 patients had incarceration and underwent simple reduction of hernial sac content without resection. Forty-seven (60%) patients underwent elective surgery. McVay technique was used for 79 patients, while the other four patients were treated with mesh-plug. Twelve patients (15%) developed a variety of complications (nine patients (25%) in emergency, three patients (6%) in elective group). There was one mortality. Recurrences occurred in two patients. Femoral hernia is an important surgical pathology with high rates of incarceration/strangulation and intestinal resection. Emergency surgery can increase morbidity and mortality especially in the elderly. Early elective surgery may reduce complication.
Insights
Early elective surgery for femoral hernia reduces complications and mortality, especially in elderly patients. Emergency surgery increases risks of morbidity and mortality due to high rates of incarceration and strangulation.
Area of Science:
- Surgical Pathology
- Gastrointestinal Surgery
- Hernia Repair
Background:
- Femoral hernia presents a significant surgical challenge.
- High rates of incarceration and strangulation necessitate prompt intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify factors influencing morbidity and mortality in femoral hernia surgery.
- To compare outcomes between emergency and elective surgical approaches.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 83 patients undergoing femoral hernia repair (1996-2004).
- Surgical techniques included McVay and mesh plug hernioplasty.
- Evaluation of patient demographics, surgical approach, complications, and outcomes.
Main Results:
- 15% of patients experienced postoperative complications, with higher rates in emergency cases (25%).
- Emergency surgery was associated with increased morbidity and mortality, particularly in elderly patients.
- One mortality and two recurrences were recorded.
Conclusions:
- Femoral hernia surgery requires careful consideration of surgical timing.
- Early elective repair is recommended to minimize complications and improve patient outcomes.
- Risk factors for morbidity and mortality include emergency presentation and advanced age.
