ABSTRACT
The femoral canal is the most medial compartment of the femoral sheath, lying medial to the femoral vein. It extends for 1.25 cm from the femoral ring to the saphenous opening. Its boundaries are: anterior, posterior, lateral, and medial. As a femoral hernia develops, it follows a path from the abdominal cavity, down the femoral canal and through the saphenous opening. This is a tortuous path and therefore femoral hernias are seldom irreducible. Strangulation is common, and is the presenting complaint in 40% of cases. There are three methods of repair of a femoral hernia: low or crural approach, high or inguinal approach, and extraperitoneal approach. The extraperitoneal approach would be used for a strangulated hernia, as it allows opening of the peritoneal cavity for inspection and possible resection of ischaemic bowel. If the hernial sac contains bowel, the bowel is drawn downwards and assessed for viability, with particular attention being paid to the constriction ring.
