Penn Hernia Center provides exceptional care for rare and complex hernias, such as femoral (upper thigh) hernia. Our experienced surgeons perform femoral hernia surgery with a high degree of skill that's not widely available in the Philadelphia region.
What Is Femoral Hernia Repair Surgery?
A femoral hernia (or upper thigh hernia) happens when part of the intestines pushes through protective tissue at the top inner part of the thigh. It is a rare type of hernia that mostly affects women.
Surgeons often perform hernia repair surgery for femoral hernias as an outpatient (same-day) surgery.
In femoral hernia repair surgery, a surgeon usually:
- Puts you to sleep with general anesthesia or numbs the site with local anesthesia so that you stay comfortable.
- Makes one or more incisions near the upper thigh to reach the affected tissue.
- Pushes the displaced intestinal tissue back where it belongs.
- Uses sutures or mesh material to close up and support the weakened muscle tissues where the hernia occurred.
Our surgeons perform femoral hernia surgery using both open (large incision) and laparoscopic (tiny incisions) techniques. A laparoscopic approach offers several advantages, including the potential for a quicker recovery and a lower risk of complications. We consider many factors, including your age and medical history, before recommending a surgery that offers you the best chance of excellent results.
In rare circumstances (when a hernia blocks blood flow), a femoral hernia can pose a serious risk to your safety. If that happens, you may need emergency surgery. Choosing a surgeon who understands the complexities and potential risks of femoral hernias helps safeguard your health.
Femoral Hernia Repair: Why Choose Penn Medicine?
As a high-volume hernia center, our specialists are uniquely qualified to diagnose and treat femoral hernias and other complicated types of hernias. Patients and families trust Penn's hernia care because of our:
- Surgical expertise: Year after year, our hernia specialists earn regional and national accolades for their skills and high standards of care. Our team includes board-certified surgeons who have successfully treated hernias of all types and severities for decades, with excellent results.
- Destination for complex cases: Our surgeons have deep experience treating less common hernias that some doctors rarely see. We can distinguish tiny differences between femoral and inguinal hernias (both in the groin area) with extreme precision. These small details can make a big difference in your care.
- Unique collaboration: Our dedicated gastrointestinal surgeons work with plastic surgeons, physical medicine and rehab doctors, and other specialists. Varied perspectives and regular discussion ensure we provide you with effective, personalized care.
- Choices and convenience: Penn hernia specialists see patients at 11 hernia center offices located conveniently throughout the region. We offer hernia surgery at three locations in downtown Philadelphia. You can choose the location that's best for you.
Femoral Hernia Surgery Recovery
Before surgery, your care team will go over key points explaining what to expect during your recovery. We also offer advice for promoting your body's healing process. With our hernia surgery recovery and rehabilitation, you can reduce your risk of a hernia recurrence and avoid a second surgery in the future.
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