A small lump near your groin that comes and goes might seem easy to ignore, but a femoral hernia left untreated can turn into a serious medical emergency.
Femoral hernias are less common than other types of groin hernias, yet they carry a higher risk of dangerous complications, including strangulation of the intestine, which requires immediate surgery. Getting an accurate diagnosis and timely treatment is critical.
At NYC Hernia, Dr. Brian Jacob, MD, FACS, brings internationally recognized expertise to every femoral hernia case, giving patients in New York City access to one of the world’s most experienced hernia surgeons.
What Is a Femoral Hernia?
What Causes a Femoral Hernia?
Femoral hernias develop when increased pressure inside the abdomen forces tissue through a weak point in the abdominal wall. Common contributing factors include:
- Obesity
- Heavy lifting
- Chronic coughing
- Smoking
- Repeated straining due to constipation
Patients with connective tissue disorders, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or a family history of hernias may have a higher risk of developing a femoral hernia.
Symptoms of a Femoral Hernia
Some femoral hernias produce no noticeable symptoms at all, which is why routine checkups with your doctor are so important. When symptoms do appear, they may include:
- A lump or bulge near the upper thigh or groin crease
- Pain or discomfort in the groin, especially when standing, straining, or lifting
- Pain in the upper thigh
- Abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting
If you are experiencing continuous pain, contact NYC Hernia immediately, as this could signal a more urgent situation.
How Is a Femoral Hernia Diagnosed?
In many cases, a physical examination is enough for Dr. Jacob to identify a femoral hernia. When the diagnosis is less clear, imaging such as an ultrasound (sonogram), CT scan, or MRI can help confirm the findings and rule out other conditions.
When Is Femoral Hernia Surgery Necessary?
Dr. Jacob recommends repairing all femoral hernias surgically. Waiting increases the risk of strangulation, a life-threatening complication that is much safer to avoid by scheduling surgery in a planned, elective setting. If your hernia is painless or causes only occasional discomfort, surgery can be scheduled at a convenient time. Continuous or worsening pain, however, may call for more urgent attention.
How Is Femoral Hernia Surgery Performed?
Dr. Jacob prefers a minimally invasive approach, using laparoscopic or robotic techniques with mesh repair under general anesthesia. This approach offers several key advantages over traditional open surgery, including lower recurrence rates and a reduced risk of chronic post-operative pain.
While open mesh and non-mesh repairs are options, research supports that minimally invasive repair delivers better long-term outcomes for most patients. Dr. Jacob will review all options with you during your consultation and recommend the approach best suited to your individual case.
Preparing for Femoral Hernia Surgery
A little preparation goes a long way toward a smooth procedure and recovery. In the weeks before your surgery, consider the following steps:
- Talk to your primary care doctor about pausing any medications that could interfere with surgery
- Stop smoking at least two weeks before your procedure
- If you have diabetes, keep your blood sugar well-controlled
- Maintain a healthy diet and light activity to support healing, but avoid anything that strains your groin or abdomen
- Arrange for a trusted person to drive you home and assist you during early recovery
- Plan to take time off work as needed
- Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing on the day of surgery
- Avoid eating or drinking anything after midnight the night before
Recovery After Femoral Hernia Surgery
Because the minimally invasive repair of a femoral hernia is essentially the same procedure as an inguinal hernia repair, recovery timelines are similar. Most patients return to full, unrestricted activity within 7 to 10 days. Dr. Jacob and his team will provide personalized post-operative guidance to help you heal safely and efficiently.
Why Choose NYC Hernia for Femoral Hernia Surgery in New York, NY?
When it comes to femoral hernia surgery, surgical experience and technique matter enormously. Dr. Brian Jacob is not just a skilled hernia surgeon; he is one of the most recognized hernia specialists in the world. As a Professor of Surgery at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and the founder and CEO of the International Hernia Collaboration, Dr. Jacob oversees the surgical education of more than 15,000 hernia surgeons globally. His commitment to advancing hernia care has made him a trusted resource for both patients and fellow surgeons.
For 14 consecutive years, Dr. Jacob has been recognized as one of the best hernia surgeons in New York City by The New York Times Magazine, and he has been listed as a Top Doctor in New York Magazine by Castle Connolly Medical Ltd. every year from 2012 through 2026. These honors reflect a track record built on thousands of successful hernia procedures and a steadfast dedication to patient outcomes.
Schedule Your Femoral Hernia Consultation in New York City
A femoral hernia is not something to put off. The longer it goes untreated, the greater the risk of a serious complication. Dr. Brian Jacob and the team at NYC Hernia are here to help you understand your condition and move forward with confidence.
Contact NYC Hernia in New York, NY at 212-879-6677 or schedule your consultation online (opens in new tab).
What Our Patients Say
The recovery page for inguinal hernias can be reviewed here:
