UNLABELLED: A femoral hernia accounts for approximately 5-10% of all groin hernias in adults. Misdiagnosis in children, in whom the condition is rare, has been well recognised and documented. The aim of this study was to assess the accuracy of diagnosis in an adult population. METHODS: An analysis of 379 patients with a groin hernia, presenting electively to a University Department of Surgery and entered into a prospective clinical trial. RESULTS: A femoral hernia was confirmed at operation in 12 (3%) patients while a further 4 had a preoperative diagnosis of a femoral hernia. The correct diagnosis of a femoral hernia was made in only 3 cases by general practitioners and in only 6 by surgical staff of all grades. CONCLUSION: These data suggest that medical staff of all grades may be poor at diagnosing a femoral hernia and a change in the way we are taught to differentiate between femoral and inguinal hernia needs to be considered.
UNLABELLED: A femoral hernia accounts for approximately 5-10% of all groin hernias in adults. Misdiagnosis in children, in whom the condition is rare, has been well recognised and documented. The aim of this study was to assess the accuracy of diagnosis in an adult population. METHODS: An analysis of 379 patients with a groin hernia, presenting electively to a University Department of Surgery and entered into a prospective clinical trial. RESULTS: A femoral hernia was confirmed at operation in 12 (3%) patients while a further 4 had a preoperative diagnosis of a femoral hernia. The correct diagnosis of a femoral hernia was made in only 3 cases by general practitioners and in only 6 by surgical staff of all grades. CONCLUSION: These data suggest that medical staff of all grades may be poor at diagnosing a femoral hernia and a change in the way we are taught to differentiate between femoral and inguinal hernia needs to be considered.