FEMORAL HERNIA: A LIMITED EXPERIENCE WITH A RARE LESION IN PEDIATRIC AGE GROUP

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Pediatric Surgery Units, Alexandria Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Egypt

2 King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, KSA

Abstract

Aim: Femoral hernias are rare in children. The incidence ranged from 0.1% to 1% of all groin hernias in 
pediatrics. They are often missed clinically. We present our experience and compare it with others.
Methods: this is a retrospective study of the cases of femoral hernias managed by the authors over a period 
of 15 years (January 1995 – December 2009). The files of the patients were reviewed regarding the age at the 
time of presentation, sex, diagnosis, side, approach of surgical repair as well as follow up. Literature review 
of the same topic was compared.
Results: Seventeen femoral hernias in 12 children (5 males and 7 females) were repaired. Age ranged from 3-
10 years (mean 6.4). There were 4 (33%) right side, 3(25%) left side and 5 (42%) bilateral. Correct 
preoperative diagnosis was made in 7 patients (58%). Five (42%) patients had incorrectly been diagnosed as 
inguinal hernia. Thirteen cases (76%) were repaired through the low (infra-inguinal) approach and 4 (24%) 
via the high (inguinal) one. No case had recurrence over the follow-up period (1 – 3 years). 
Conclusions: Still the incorrect preoperative diagnosis of childhood femoral hernia is high. Remembering it 
among the differential diagnosis of groin swellings in children, together with the ability to recognize it intraoperatively, could prevent unnecessary second operations. 

Keywords

The Egyptian Journal of Surgery
Volume 30, Issue 4
October 2011
Pages 159-162

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