Femoral hernia: A recent appraisal

Abstract

Abstract In a series of 128 cases of femoral hernia the female to male ratio was 3 : 1. The incidence of strangulation remained evenly distributed throughout all age-groups, but because of the tendency for femoral hernia to develop in the elderly most cases of strangulation occurred over the age of 60 years. The low approach was used in 119 patients and the mortality was less than 1 per cent. In only 1 of the 14 patients requiring bowel resection was a further (paramedian) incision necessary in order to return the bowel to the peritoneal cavity. The improvement in mortality in recent years is considered to be due to improvements in fluid and electrolyte management, to more effective antibiotics, and to safe anaesthesia.