Minimally invasive treatment of femoral hernia: gentle, safe & outpatient

Why minimally invasive?

Keyhole surgery (laparoscopy) has established itself as the gold standard in hernia surgery worldwide – including for the treatment of femoral hernias. This technique is performed through small skin incisions (approx. 5-10 mm), which minimizes pain, wound healing problems and scarring.

Advantages at a glance:

• Barely visible scars
• Significantly less pain
• Low risk of infection
• Rapid mobilization
• Outpatient implementation possible
• Also ideal for bilateral or recurrent hernias

The TAPP method (transabdominal preperitoneal patch plasty)

The TAPP technique is one of the most modern procedures in minimally invasive hernia surgery – especially for femoral hernias.

Procedure

1. Access via 3 small skin incisions on the abdomen
2. Insertion of a mini camera and special instruments into the abdominal cavity
3. Visualization of the fracture gap from the inside
4. Repositioning of the fracture sac (reduction)
5. Insertion of a high-quality, non-absorbable mesh behind the peritoneum to reinforce the abdominal wall
6. Closure of the abdominal cavity with a few sutures

Particularly suitable for

• Femoral hernias (unilateral or bilateral)
• Repeat hernias after previous open surgery
• Combination with inguinal hernia or umbilical hernia

Technical highlights at VenaZiel Hernia Center Berlin

• High-resolution HD cameras
• Finest titanium instruments
• Nets with anti-adhesion coating
• Mesh fixation with atraumatic bonding techniques (no staplers required)

The TEP method (total extraperitoneal patchplasty)

The TEP technique is also minimally invasive, but access is outside the abdominal cavity. It is particularly gentle and carries a lower risk of injury to intra-abdominal organs.

Procedure

1. Access via a small incision below the navel
2. Dissection in the space between the abdominal muscles and peritoneum
3. Visualization and repositioning of the hernia sac
4. Placement of a mesh over the fracture gap
5. No penetration into the abdominal cavity – ideal for certain pre-existing conditions

Advantages

• Our new day clinic at Checkpoint Charlie (Charlottenstrasse 13) has:
• Three operating theaters of the highest class 1b
• Special air purification systems
• Sterility at hospital level
• Short anesthesia times (20-30 minutes)
• Highly qualified surgical team specializing in hernia surgery

The operation can be performed on an outpatient basis for suitable patients. You come to the surgery in the morning and go home the same day.

Individual decision: TAPP or TEP?

Whether the TAPP or TEP technique is more suitable depends on various factors:

• Access
  • TAPP: Via the abdominal cavity
  • TEP: Between abdominal muscles and peritoneum (without entering the abdominal cavity)

• Suitability
  • TAPP: Suitable for almost all forms of inguinal and abdominal wall hernias
  • TEP: Particularly beneficial for patients with previous abdominal surgery

• View of the hernia
  • TAPP: Provides a very good overview, even with complex findings
  • TEP: Also good overview, but with slightly limited flexibility

• Risk of complications
  • TAPP: Slightly increased with existing intestinal diseases
  • TEP: Very low risk of complications

• Operation duration
  • TAPP: About 30-40 minutes
  • TEP: About 40-50 minutes

The method is always selected individually at VenaZiel. This is done after a detailed consultation and diagnosis by our specialists.

Our philosophy at VenaZiel Hernia Center Berlin

“Minimally invasive instead of maximally stressful.”

At VenaZiel Hernia Center Berlin, the focus is on maximum patient care. We combine:

• Top medicine
• Individual support
• Outpatient care at the highest level
• Short surgery times and rapid mobilization

Whether a femoral hernia, inguinal hernia or combined abdominal wall hernia – you are in the best hands with us.

The choice of method is always made individually at VenaZiel – after a detailed consultation and diagnosis by our specialists.

Whether a femoral hernia, inguinal hernia or combined abdominal wall hernia – you are in the best hands with us.

TAPP (transabdominal preperitoneal plasty)

• Access: Through the abdominal cavity
• Special features:
  • Provides a very good overview
  • Particularly flexible for complex findings

TEP (total extraperitoneal plasty)

• Access: Outside the abdominal cavity
• Special features:
  • Ideal for patients with previous abdominal surgery
  • Suitable for existing intestinal diseases

Our specialists decide individually which method is best for you.

What kind of mesh is used?

We only use high-quality, tissue-compatible plastic meshes that remain permanently in the body. These:

• Stabilize the abdominal wall
• Prevent recurrence of the fracture
• Generally do not cause rejection reactions
• Do not need to be removed

As an option, we offer particularly thin, anti-adhesive meshes for sensitive patients.

FAQ – Everything you need to know about femoral fractures and treatment at VenaZiel

What exactly is a femoral hernia?

A femoral hernia, also known as a femoral hernia, is a protrusion of tissue. It usually involves fat or parts of the intestine. This bulge occurs due to a weak point in the abdominal wall. This point is located below the inguinal ligament in the femoral canal.

The hernia typically appears near the inner thigh and usually occurs in older women. It is a rare but dangerous hernia. It is often recognized late and has a high risk of incarceration.

What causes a femoral fracture?

A femoral hernia is caused by a combination of weakening of the abdominal wall and increased pressure in the abdominal cavity. Common causes and risk factors are

• Age (especially > 60 years)
• Connective tissue weakness
• Overweight
• Chronic cough (e.g. in COPD or smokers)
• Constipation and straining during bowel movements
• Pregnancies
• Previous operations in the groin or abdominal area
• Heavy lifting

What are the symptoms of a femoral fracture?

A femoral fracture can initially be completely asymptomatic or cause diffuse symptoms. Typical symptoms:

• Feeling of pressure or pulling pain on the inside of the thigh
• Swelling below the groin (often only visible when standing)
• Pain when coughing, sneezing or pressing
• Discomfort when walking or standing for long periods
• In advanced cases: acute pain, nausea, vomiting – an indication of incarceration (emergency!)

Why is a femoral fracture dangerous?

A femoral hernia is particularly dangerous because the femoral canal is very narrow. This can easily cause parts of the intestine to become trapped (medical term: incarceration). If this condition is not treated quickly, it can lead to problems with the blood supply to the intestine. This can lead to an intestinal obstruction, which can be very dangerous.

That is why we recommend in our practice: Every femoral hernia should be treated surgically – even if there are few or no symptoms.

How is a femoral hernia treated in Berlin at VenaZiel Hernia Center diagnosed?

At our hernia center in Berlin, we perform the following diagnostic steps:

1. Medical history & physical examination
2. Ultrasound (sonography): Important imaging procedure for visualizing fractures
3. MRI or CT: For unclear findings or for precise surgical planning

Thanks to our radiology partners, our patients usually receive a precise diagnosis within a few days.