Treatment

All femoral hernias including asymptomatic ones must be repaired without delay because of the risk of strangulation of abdominal contents in the canal. The use of a truss is dangerous; it is difficult to fit and increases the risk of strangulation of the contents. Immediate relocation of a clearly reducible hernia is only advisable as a holding measure while preparations are made for operation.

There are several operative approaches which are dealt with in the submenu:

• abdominal, suprapubic or extraperitoneal approach
• inguinal or 'high' approach
• crural or 'low' approach
• transperitoneal approach

None of these suffices for all circumstances, but all have the aim of:

• reduction or excision of the hernial sac
• reinforcement of the femoral canal

A general system for pre-operative preparation is described in the submenu.