A hernia that pushes through the canal containing the femoral artery and vein in the front of the upper thigh. Hernias occur when part of the intestine or abdominal fatty tissue (omentum) pushes through a weak point or tear in the lower abdominal wall. The resulting bulge may be painful and get larger when the patient coughs, bends over, or lifts a heavy object. Severe hernias may cause a blockage of the intestines. If the hernia cannot be pushed back in place by the doctor it is called incarcerated. Some incarcerated hernias block the blood supply to the trapped intestines resulting in a life threatening condition called a strangulated hernia.