K41: Femoral hernia

K41.3: Unilateral or unspecified femoral hernia, with obstruction, without gangrene

Unilateral or unspecified femoral hernia, with obstruction, without gangrene, describes a specific medical condition affecting the area around the femoral canal - the path through which femoral artery, veins, and nerve leave the abdominal cavity to enter the thigh. In this condition, a portion of tissue (often part of the intestine) pushes through a weak point in the abdominal wall near the femoral canal. This is termed a femoral hernia, and it is said to be unilateral if it occurs on one side of the body, or unspecified if the side is not indicated. An accompanying obstruction means that the displaced tissue is causing a blockage. This blockage can lead to discomfort, pain, and potentially serious complications. However, the condition is specified as being without gangrene, meaning that the affected tissue is not experiencing cell death due to lack of blood supply. Femoral hernias are more common in women because of the wider shape of the female pelvis.