Femoral hernia is a protrusion of the abdominal contents (commonly the intestines) via the femoral canal through a defect in the abdominal wall. It usually presents as a lump in the inner aspect of upper thigh region.
Femoral hernia is the third most common hernia only next to inguinal hernia and incisional hernia and accounts for 17% of all hernias.
Common age group for femoral hernia is 60- 80 years of age. It is rare before 50 years of age and uncommon in children. Females are 10 times more commonly affected than males. Multiparous women are often affected.
Femoral hernia is twice more common in the right side of the groin than in the left side. In 20% of cases it is bilateral.
Chronic cough, smoking, obesity, carrying heavy loads, constipation, benign prostatic hypertrophy are the risk factors for developing a femoral hernia.
Written by admin on June 23rd, 2008 with no comments.
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Hiatus hernias are mostly asymptomatic. They are usually recognized incidentally while taking chest x-ray for some other condition.
Type I hernia is often associated with gastroesophageal reflux but does not cause any direct symptoms. Paraesophageal hernia causes pain after taking food, bloating, anemia and may or may not be associated with gastroesophageal reflux. Paraesophgeal are often the cause of unexplained anemia in elderly persons. Large paraesophageal hernias cause breathlessness. Obstruction, volvulus (twisting of its contents) and strangulation (compression with compromise in the blood supply) are its complications.
Most hiatus hernias are diagnosed while taking chest x-rays as air fluid level. Upper gastrointestinal contrast study is the gold standard test for diagnosing hiatus hernias. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy will verify the presence of esophagitis, gastritis, Cameron’s ulcer or lesions that can mimic the symptoms of paraesophgeal hernia. Esophagitis is the inflammation of the esophagus. Gastritis is the inflammation of the stomach. Cameron’s ulcer is the linear ulcer at the junction of the stomach and esophagus.
Written by admin on June 23rd, 2008 with no comments.
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