K41: Femoral hernia

K41.9: Unilateral or unspecified femoral hernia, without obstruction or gangrene

A unilateral or unspecified femoral hernia without obstruction or gangrene refers to a medical condition where there is a protrusion of tissue through the femoral canal – a natural passageway located in the lower abdomen near the groin, in either one side (unilateral) or no specific side (unspecified), without any blockage (obstruction) or tissue death (gangrene). It's typically identifiable as a lump in the upper thigh or groin area. It's more common in women due to the wider shape of the female pelvis. Despite being less common than its counterpart (inguinal hernia), femoral hernias are still regarded as serious because they have a higher risk of causing complications such as strangulation, where the blood supply to the herniated tissue is cut off. Symptoms may vary, but can include pain, discomfort, or a heavy feeling in the groin area.