Strangulated femoral hernia is a surgical condition in which early diagnosis and prompt operation result in a fairly low mortality; while failure to recognize the condition and consequent delay directly increase the danger and operative risk. The fact that a large proportion of these cases are not diagnosed promptly, or an incorrect diagnosis is made with a resulting delay of the necessary surgical treatment, prompts the writing of this paper, with the brief report of the following nine cases:
Case 1.
—R. W., woman, aged 54, had swelling in groin for two years, which had increased in size for past six weeks; vomiting four days before she was referred to Bellevue Hospital. Pain in swelling was complained of for only twenty-four hours before admission. Intestine was found blue and congested, but circulation returned and hernia was reduced and ring sutured. Patient was discharged as cured on twenty-ninth day.
Case 2.
—S.