At Practice Plus Group, the average waiting time for private femoral hernia surgery is 4–6 weeks. In comparison, current NHS waiting times for hernia surgery vary widely depending on demand, the capacity of local hospitals, and clinical priority. The NHS Constitution sets an 18-week waiting time target between referral and treatment however, lots of patients are left waiting much longer. The following are factors that currently contribute to the long waiting times for NHS hernia treatmen
high demand for general surgery
clinical prioritisation of urgent or cancer cases
workforce and theatre capacity pressures
backlogs from COVID pandemic disruption.
The My Planned Care site is updated on a weekly basis and shows the latest NHS waiting times in your area.
(Practice Plus Group is not responsible for and does not control the content displayed on external websites.)
What is femoral hernia surgery?
Femoral hernia surgery is a procedure to repair a weakness in the abdominal wall near the femoral canal, located just below the groin.
A femoral hernia occurs when fatty tissue or part of the bowel pushes through this weak area. This creates a lump in the upper thigh or groin.
Although femoral hernias are less common than inguinal hernias, they are considered more urgent to treat because they have a higher risk of becoming trapped or strangulated. If left untreated, a strangulated hernia can be fatal.
Surgery aims to reposition the protruding tissue and strengthen the abdominal wall, usually with surgical mesh.
Anatomy overview
The femoral canal is a narrow passage just below the inguinal ligament that allows blood vessels to travel between the abdomen and the leg.
When the surrounding tissue weakens, internal structures can push through this space, forming a femoral hernia.
Because the femoral canal is narrow, femoral hernias can easily become trapped. This is the reason why early surgical treatment is often recommended.
Femoral hernia vs inguinal hernia: what’s the difference?
A femoral hernia and an inguinal hernia both appear in the groin area, but they develop in slightly different places.
A femoral hernia happens lower down, where tissue pushes through the femoral canal just below the groin. This type of hernia is less common than inguinal, but it carries a higher risk of becoming trapped or strangulated, which is why surgery is often recommended.
An inguinal hernia happens when tissue pushes through a weakness in the inguinal canal. It is the most common type of hernia and occurs more frequently in men than women.
Key differences at a glance
Location
Femoral hernia: lower groin or upper thigh
Inguinal hernia: groin area above the inguinal ligament
How common it is?
Femoral hernia: less common
Inguinal hernia: the most common type of groin hernia
Who it affects
Femoral hernia: more common in women, especially older women
Inguinal hernia: more common in men
Risk of complications
Femoral hernia: higher risk of incarceration or strangulation
Inguinal hernia: still carries risk, but usually lower than femoral hernia
Because femoral hernias are more likely to become trapped, early assessment and treatment are often advised.
Who is femoral hernia surgery for?
Femoral hernia surgery is usually recommended for people who have:
a diagnosed femoral hernia
pain or discomfort in the groin or upper thigh
a visible or growing lump
symptoms that worsen when standing, lifting, or straining
As femoral hernias have a higher risk of complications, doctors often recommend surgery even if symptoms are mild.
Age ranges
While the ages most at risk are adults over 40, women are particularly susceptible after pregnancy. Older adults are also more likely to develop a femoral hernia due to weakness in the abdominal muscles.
Risk groups
Your consultant will consider factors that can affect surgical risk and recovery. These can include:
previous abdominal surgery
chronic cough or constipation
higher body weight
smoking
pregnancy history.
These do not automatically prevent surgery but may influence preparation and recovery planning.
When to seek treatment
If you notice a lump or swelling in the upper thigh or groin, you should seek medical advice as soon as possible.
Signs that femoral hernia surgery may be needed include:
persistent groin pain
a lump that becomes more noticeable when standing
discomfort when lifting or coughing
pain during physical activity.
Urgent red flags
You’ll need to seek urgent medical attention if you experience any of the following:
sudden severe groin pain
vomiting
an inability to pass wind or stool
a lump that cannot be pushed back in
redness or tenderness over the hernia.
These symptoms may indicate a strangulated hernia, which requires emergency treatment.
Femoral hernia surgery types and treatments offered
If your doctor has recommended femoral hernia surgery, it’s helpful to understand the treatment options available.
Below are the main types of femoral hernia surgery performed by experienced general surgeons at Practice Plus Group.
Open femoral hernia repair
Open hernia repair involves a single incision near the groin or upper thigh.
Who it’s for
Open surgery is suitable for most femoral hernias and may be recommended depending on the size and location of the hernia.
How it works
The surgeon makes an incision over the hernia and pushes the protruding tissue back into the abdomen. The weakened muscles are then strengthened using surgical mesh.
How long it takes
Typically 30–60 minutes.
Anaesthesia
Usually performed under general anaesthetic, although local anaesthetic with sedation may sometimes be used.
Hospital stay
Most patients go home on the same day.
Recovery time
Light activities can usually be resumed within 1–2 weeks.
Laparoscopic (keyhole) femoral hernia repair
Keyhole surgery uses small incisions and a camera to repair the hernia internally.
Who it’s for
This approach may be recommended for certain patients or where surgeons believe minimally invasive repair offers benefits.
How it works
Small surgical instruments and a laparoscope are inserted through tiny incisions. The hernia is repaired internally and mesh is placed over the weakened muscles to reinforce the abdominal wall.
How long it takes
Around 30–60 minutes.
Hospital stay
Usually performed as a day-case procedure.
Recovery times
Many patients return to normal daily activities slightly faster than with open surgery.
Non-surgical alternatives
As femoral hernias carry a higher risk of complications (e.g. strangulation), surgery is usually recommended.
However, in some circumstances your consultant may discuss:
lifestyle adjustments to help avoid strain
weight management
managing a persistent cough or constipation
monitoring the hernia while awaiting surgery.
The benefits of femoral hernia surgery
Femoral hernia surgery can provide many benefits. The main ones include:
relief from groin pain and discomfort
prevention of strangulation
improved mobility and activity levels
reduced risk of emergency surgery
better long-term abdominal wall support.
Many patients report feeling more confident returning to everyday activities such as walking, lifting heavy objects, and exercising.
Outcomes and clinical evidence
Femoral hernia repair is a well-established procedure with high success rates.1 In fact, most patients recover well and experience significant improvements in their symptoms.
According to a piece on femoral hernias from the University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, the use of mesh reinforcement is considered the ‘gold standard in hernia repair. This is because, for the vast majority of patients, mesh poses little if any additional risk and has been shown to reduce recurrence rates compared with simple suture repair.2
Risks and complications of femoral hernia surgery
As with any surgery, there are risks. These may include:
infection
bleeding
damage to nearby structures
nerve irritation
Recurrence of hernia
blood clots
negative reaction to anaesthesia.
How risks are mitigated
At Practice Plus Group, we reduce the potential for complications to develop through:
pre-operative health assessment
use of antibiotics (where suitable)
blood clot prevention measures
careful surgical technique
clear discharge advice.
When to seek urgent care after surgery
You should seek urgent medical attention if you experience:
fever or wound discharge
calf pain or swelling
sudden chest pain or breathlessness
increasing pain after surgery.
How femoral hernia surgery works – what to expect
If you’re having your femoral hernia surgery with Practice Plus Group, let’s take a look at what you can expect from the experience.
Pre-operative assessment
First, you need to have an initial consultation. This is our opportunity to ensure that the procedure for which you have been referred is right for you. We’ll explain your hernia treatment to you and make sure that you are well enough to go ahead with it. This is also your opportunity to meet the team who will care for you and to ask any questions about potential side effects and recovery.
Preparing for surgery
Pre-surgery preparation may include:
arranging transport home
following fasting instructions
stopping smoking where possible
preparing support at home after surgery (e.g. cooking, childcare)
During the procedure
The surgery is performed under anaesthesia and involves repositioning (pushing back) the hernia and reinforcing the abdominal wall.
Immediately after surgery
Most patients are able to return home on the same day as their surgery. Upon discharge, they’ll receive specific instructions on wound care, medication, and activity restrictions.
Femoral hernia surgery recovery time and aftercare
Recovery from femoral hernia surgery varies depending on your health and the surgical approach. Below are lists of what you can do and things you should avoid following your surgery:
Do:
walk regularly (once safe to do so)
get plenty of rest
eat a balanced diet
follow your doctor’s advice.
Don’t:
lift heavy objects
drive until advised and you can do so without pain
resume strenuous activity too soon.
Femoral hernia surgery recovery timeline
So, we’ve looked at how you can prepare and what happens during femoral hernia surgery. Now it’s time to explore what you can expect from the recovery process.
Week 1
return home (usually on the same day as surgery)
mild pain and swelling is common
light walking is encouraged
Weeks 2-4
return to light daily activities
driving may be possible depending on comfort
Weeks 4-6
gradual return to normal activity
Long-term recovery
most patients are able to fully resume everyday activities after several weeks.
Private hernia repair surgery in the UK typically ranges between £3,000 and £4,500.
At Practice Plus Group, hernia surgery starts from the following prices:
Consultation: £145
Surgery: £3,449
Total typical cost: £3,594
What’s included?
Our costs include:
pre-operative assessment
anaesthetic
hospital stay (if needed)
mesh implant
post-operative follow-up
a named consultant throughout treatment.
Hernia operations – NHS vs private
Private treatment can offer faster access to consultation and surgery.
The NHS remains free at the point of use, but waiting times vary significantly depending on region and demand. Take a look at the My Planned Care site for up-to-date information about NHS waiting times.
Ways to pay
There are three ways to access femoral hernia surgery at Practice Plus Group:
If you’re a private patient with us at Practice Plus Group, you can choose which consultant carries out your hernia treatment. This consultant will be with you every step of the way on your journey with us.
professional memberships to prestigious medical organisations.
Looking for these can help you make an informed decision while also providing quality assurance.
Why choose Practice Plus Group?
Practice Plus Group hospitals provide consultant-led care with short waiting times (4-6 weeks) and excellent patient outcomes.
All our hospitals are regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), and Practice Plus Group was the first provider to have all services rated Good or Outstanding.
Mr Dickson-Lowe is a highly experienced consultant general and colorectal surgeon and clinical lead for general and colorectal surgery, working both in the NHS and privately with Practice Plus Group. He is dedicated to providing safe, effective, and personalised care for every patient. Mr Dickson-Lowe offers minimally invasive procedures such as keyhole gall bladder surgery, hernia repair, treatment of lumps and bumps, pilonidal disease, and coloproctology procedures including haemorrhoids, fistula-in-ano, and anal fissures.
This article was co-written by Content Specialist, James Wood. Our Content Specialist, James, has been writing articles and blogs for Practice Plus Group since 2022. He has more than a decade of experience as a copywriter within a range of different backgrounds and works closely with medical professionals to deliver information that's easy-to-read and patient-focused. When he's not writing medical pieces, James is busy playing sports or pub quizzing.
Wellsoon is a service from Practice Plus Group that provides a range of treatments for patients paying for themselves or paying by private medical insurance. With no hidden costs, you’ll pay less than you might think and be back to your best sooner than you thought.
Consultation within 1 to 2 weeks* – includes x-ray, bloods and swabs
Still struggling to find the information you’re looking for? Our femoral hernia surgery FAQs may be able to help!
Is femoral hernia surgery urgent?
Femoral hernia surgery is often recommended sooner rather than later because femoral hernias have a higher risk of becoming trapped or strangulated than other types of hernia. Your consultant will advise how quickly treatment is needed based on your symptoms and examination findings.
Is a femoral hernia dangerous?
A femoral hernia can become serious if the tissue becomes trapped or loses its blood supply, becoming strangulated. This is why it is usually assessed promptly and often repaired surgically, even if symptoms are mild.
What does a femoral hernia feel like?
A femoral hernia may feel like a small lump or swelling in the upper thigh or groin. Some people notice discomfort, aching, or pain that becomes worse when standing, coughing, lifting heavy objects, or straining.
Can a femoral hernia go away on its own?
No. In adults, a femoral hernia does not usually go away on its own. Lifestyle changes may help reduce discomfort or strain, but surgery is the only treatment that repairs the weakness in the abdominal wall.
How is a femoral hernia diagnosed?
A femoral hernia is usually diagnosed through a clinical examination by a GP or Consultant General Surgeon. In some cases, diagnostic imaging such as an ultrasound or CT scan may be required if the diagnosis is unclear or if the hernia is small and difficult to detect.
Is mesh always used in femoral hernia repair?
Mesh is commonly used in femoral hernia repair because it helps strengthen the weakened area and reduce the risk of recurrence. Your surgeon will explain whether mesh is recommended for your specific hernia and surgical approach.
Can a femoral hernia come back after surgery?
There is a small risk of recurrence after femoral hernia repair. The risk can vary depending on the type of hernia, surgical technique, use of mesh, and factors such as smoking, body weight, wound healing, and heavy strain after surgery.
What happens if a femoral hernia is left untreated?
If left untreated, a femoral hernia may become larger or more uncomfortable over time. More importantly, it may become strangulated, which requires emergency surgery.
