Femoral Hernia Treatment in Singapore

Yes, a femoral hernia typically requires surgery to correct it. Asymptomatic, minor femoral hernias typically do not heal independently, although they can be monitored. Surgery is generally advised to avoid such complications as strangulation, wherein the blood supply to the herniated tissue is severed. Treated either by open surgery or laparoscopically, femoral hernia repair helps avoid severe medical conditions and recurrence. Always consult a doctor to determine the optimal drug regimen for your condition.

Two methods are used to repair a femoral hernia:

Open surgery involves the surgeon cutting so they can push the lump back into your stomach.

Laparoscopic: The less invasive but more complex method called laparoscopy (keyhole) surgery involves making several minor cuts so the surgeon can use a range of instruments to repair the hernia.

Recovery after femoral hernia surgery in Singapore typically takes two to four weeks, depending on the nature of the surgery and the patient's overall health.

Patients who have laparoscopic or minimally invasive procedures usually recover faster and can return to light activities within two weeks. But four weeks or more can be a recovery time if the operation is more complex, for instance, open surgery. To facilitate proper healing and minimise the likelihood of complications, patients are often advised to avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activities during recovery.

If left untreated, complications of a femoral hernia may arise. The most serious of these complications is strangulation, where the blood supply to the bulging tissue is severed, and the tissue begins to die, producing severe pain and risk for infection. Bloating, constipation, and vomiting may result from intestinal obstruction and other potential side effects.

Femoral hernias are not self-curing, so non-surgical options are generally not recommended. Operations are typically needed to avoid complications, although a small, symptomless femoral hernia might be observed.

Yes, most hospitals and medical centres in Singapore, particularly hospitals with specialised surgery departments, provide femoral hernia procedures, e.g., diagnostic, surgical, and post-operative care.

The following lifestyle changes can help avoid a femoral hernia:

• The abdominal wall can be stabilised and prevented from weakening. Regular exercises that strengthen the abdominal wall can stabilise it and prevent its weakening
• Avoid obesity since it strains the abdominal wall and increases the risk of hernias.
• To avoid straining while passing stools, which can lead to hernias, have a high-fibre diet, drink plenty of water, and exercise regularly.

Following the operation for the femoral hernia, apply a cold compress to reduce swelling, take the pain medication as advised, and rest adequately to control the pain. Avoid strenuous activities, but move gently to prevent stiffness.

Exercise reduces the number of femoral hernias by strengthening the core muscles and stabilising the overall abdominal wall. Exercises that help stabilise the abdominal region include core strength exercises, pelvic tilts, and maintaining an upright posture.

However, once a femoral hernia has formed, it cannot be cured or treated with exercise. Surgery to fix the hernia is usually required in most instances. Light exercise may be recommended after surgery to aid in rehabilitation, but until full recovery is achieved, heavy lifting and strenuous activity should be avoided.

Severe problems can occur if the bulging tissue becomes cut off from its blood supply, which may lead to strangulation. A strangulated hernia can be detected through:

• Sudden and acute pain at the site of the hernia
• The swelling area could be red or purple.
• Fever along with nausea or vomiting
• Reduction of the hernia is not possible as the swelling cannot be pushed back in.
• Symptoms of bowel obstruction include constipation, bloating, or difficulty passing gas.

Strangulation may lead to tissue death and require immediate surgery, so it's essential to seek medical attention immediately if you have any of these symptoms.