Femoral harnia
femoral hernia anatomy diagram

This composite visual contains an anatomical illustration (a) and a corresponding clinical intraoperative photograph (b) detailing the surgical repair of a femoral hernia. Panel (a) provides a labeled anatomical diagram of the right inguinal-femoral region. It depicts the spermatic cord and falx inguinalis retracted cranially, exposing the orificium of the femoral hernia. Key landmarks are identified: the transversalis fascia (opened), the inguinal ligament of Poupart (ventral border), and the lacunar ligament of Gimbernat (medial border). An instrument is shown passing through the femoral orifice to demonstrate the pathology. Panel (b) is a clinical photograph of the surgical field during an open repair. It demonstrates the clinical application of the anatomy shown in panel (a), with retractors maintaining exposure. A surgical instrument is seen incising the lacunar ligament to enlarge the femoral space for mesh placement. The image illustrates the relationship between the inguinal ligament, femoral vessels, and the hernia orifice. The content is intended for intermediate to advanced surgical education, specifically regarding open femoral hernia repair and the anatomy of the femoral canal.

This dual-panel image provides an anatomical and clinical overview of a femoral hernia and its surgical exposure. Panel (a) is a detailed anatomical diagram of the right inguinal and femoral regions. It illustrates a femoral hernia as a distinct bulge emerging medially to the femoral vessels (artery and vein) and caudal to the inguinal canal. Labeled structures include the external oblique fascia, the 'pink triangle' (an area formed by the diversion of fascial vessels toward the external inguinal orifice), the spermatic cord, and femoral vessels. Panel (b) is a clinical photograph showing the intraoperative view after the incision of the external oblique fascia. The surgical field is exposed using three metal claw-style retractors, revealing the underlying fascia and fatty tissue in the femoral region. Sutures are visible along the superior aspect of the skin incision. This content is designed for medical education regarding hernia pathology and surgical repair, demonstrating the critical landmarks needed to differentiate femoral hernias from inguinal hernias and to safely navigate the femoral canal during surgery.

This composite image illustrates the surgical repair of a femoral hernia using a mesh-based approach. Figure (a) is an anatomical diagram of the inguinal and femoral regions during surgery. Key structures identified include the spermatic cord (superior-medial), femoral vessels (lateral), inguinal ligament of Poupart (ventral), and the pectineal ligament of Cooper (dorsal). The diagram shows the placement of a vertical femoral mesh covering the orificium of the femoral hernia, secured over Cooper’s ligament while maintaining an overlay medially and laterally over the femoral vessels. The falx inguinalis is shown in a retracted state. Figure (b) is an intraoperative clinical photograph corresponding to the diagram, showing the surgical field with metal retractors and a circular wound protector. A white, woven surgical mesh is visible, positioned over the femoral orifice and held in place with instruments. The image demonstrates the 'Lichtenstein-like' open technique for femoral hernia reinforcement, highlighting the spatial relationship between the prosthetic mesh and pelvic floor ligaments to prevent recurrence.

This diagnostic image is a transverse (axial) cross-section from a Computed Tomography Angiography (CTA) scan of the pelvic and groin region. The image illustrates the spatial anatomy of a right-sided femoral hernia (FH). A white arrow labeled 'RCFA' points to the right common femoral artery, which is visualized as a bright, contrast-enhanced circular structure. Medial to the RCFA, a second white arrow labeled 'FH' identifies the femoral hernia sac protruding through the femoral canal. The hernia sac contains convoluted soft tissue consistent with small bowel loops; the presence of contrast within these loops indicates maintained perfusion and the absence of acute strangulation at the time of imaging. Surrounding anatomical landmarks include the pelvic girdle bones (ilium and pubic symphysis) and the proximal femurs. This visual is clinically significant for demonstrating the relationship between vascular structures and hernial protrusions in the groin, serving as a critical diagnostic tool for pre-surgical planning in complex patients.
"femoral hernia"[MeSH Terms] AND repair
| Border | Structure |
|---|---|
| Anterior (superoanterior) | Inguinal ligament (Poupart's) |
| Posterior (inferoposterior) | Pectineal (Cooper's / iliopectineal) ligament + pectineus muscle |
| Medial | Lacunar ligament (Gimbernat's ligament) - sharp, unyielding edge |
| Lateral | Femoral vein |

| Feature | Femoral Hernia | Inguinal Hernia |
|---|---|---|
| Position rel. to pubic tubercle | Lateral | Medial |
| Position rel. to inguinal ligament | Below (may later go above) | Above |
| Cough impulse location | Saphenous opening (~4 cm below & lateral to pubic tubercle) | Inguinal canal |
| Invagination test (inguinal canal) | Empty | Positive |
| Reduction by digital pressure | Over femoral canal / saphenous opening | Over deep inguinal ring |
