Essay/Term paper: Femoral hernia

Essay, term paper, research paper:  Science Reports

Femoral Hernia


A hernia is any type of abnormal protrusion of part of an organ or
tissue through the structures that normally contain it. A weak spot or opening
in a body wall allows part of the organ or tissue to bulge through. Hernias may
develop in almost any area of the body, but they most frequently occur in the
abdomen or groin. Hernias are commonly called "ruptures," but this is a
misnomer, as nothing is torn or ruptured. Hernias can be present from birth
(congenital) or can be caused by stress and/or strain.
A femoral hernia is just one of many different types of hernias. They
occur when a part of the intestine protrudes into the femoral canal. The
femoral canal is the tubular passageway that carries blood vessels and nerves
from the abdomen into the thigh. Femoral hernias occurs most commonly in women.
This condition can be brought about by an inherent weakness in the abdominal
muscles in the groin. A sudden or prolonged increase in pressure to this region,
as occurs in heavy lifting or coughing, can cause the intestine to be forced
through the weakened opening.
Diagnosis of a hernia is usually done by a visual examination and by
studying the patients medical history. Sometimes the hernia will be pinched, or
strangulated, resulting in pain and nausea. Other times it may hardly be
noticeable. Treatment usually involves manually manipulating the protruding
portion of the intestine back to the proper place or the surgical repair of the
muscle wall through which the hernia protrudes. Surgical repair of a hernia is
referred to as a herniorrhaphy. The only effective way of preventing a hernia
is to refrain from putting strain or pressure on the area of the abdomen or
groin.