K41: Femoral hernia

K41.0: Bilateral femoral hernia, with obstruction, without gangrene

Bilateral femoral hernia with obstruction, without gangrene, is a specific medical condition characterized by the protrusion of abdominal contents, like fat or a part of the intestine, into the femoral canal on both sides of the body. The femoral canal is located in the groin area and contains the femoral vein and artery. This condition is termed as 'obstructive' as the hernia blocks the passage of contents through the bowel. While this condition is characterized by obstruction, it does not involve gangrene – the death of bodily tissue due to lack of blood supply or infection. Common symptoms can include discomfort or pain in the groin area, particularly when coughing, lifting heavy objects, or straining, as well as a lump or swelling in the area. The condition is more common among women due to the wider width of their femoral canals, especially those who are pregnant or overweight.