What is the Difference Between Inguinal Hernia and Femoral Hernia?

Inguinal and femoral hernias are both types of hernias that occur in the groin area, but they have different characteristics and symptoms. Here are the main differences between them:

• Location: An inguinal hernia occurs in the abdomen between the groin and the pubis, while a femoral hernia occurs when a portion of muscle tries to get back through the femoral canal, which consists of veins, nerves, and arteries.
• Gender prevalence: Inguinal hernias are more common in males, whereas femoral hernias are more common in females.
• Anatomical differences: Inguinal hernias pass through the inguinal canal, while femoral hernias pass through the femoral canal.
• Symptoms: Both hernias can cause pain, a bulge near the groin, and heaviness, but femoral hernias can cause more problems because they are more likely to "pinch" a part of the bowel.
• Diagnosis: The inguinal hernia test focuses mainly on the middle finger or the index finger, while the femoral hernia test focuses only on the ring finger.
• Surgery: Both inguinal and femoral hernias are usually treated with laparoscopic surgery, which involves the use of a mesh.

In summary, the main difference between inguinal and femoral hernias is their location in the body and the gender they are more prevalent in. Diagnosis and treatment methods are also slightly different for each type of hernia.

Comparative Table: Inguinal Hernia vs Femoral Hernia

Here is a table comparing the differences between inguinal and femoral hernias:

Inguinal hernias are more common in men and occur in the abdomen between the groin and the pubis, while femoral hernias are more common in women and occur in the groin at the top of the inner thigh. Inguinal hernias pass through the inguinal canal, while femoral hernias pass through the femoral canal. Inguinal hernias have a neck of the sac above and medial to the pubic tubercle, whereas femoral hernias do not. Inguinal hernias are less likely to be strangulated compared to femoral hernias.