Which type of hernia is rare and occurs more often in female patients?

The femoral hernia is indeed the correct answer as it is known to be rarer in the general population compared to other types of hernias and has a higher incidence in female patients. This hernia occurs when fatty tissue or part of the intestine pushes through a weak spot in the femoral canal, which is located just below the inguinal ligament. Femoral hernias are more common in women due to the anatomical differences in the pelvic region, which provides a predisposed space for herniation.

In contrast, inguinal hernias are the most common type and occur more frequently in males due to specific developmental factors. Umbilical hernias, while they can occur in both genders, are generally prevalent among infants and do not favor one sex significantly over the other. Hiatal hernias, on the other hand, occur when part of the stomach pushes through the diaphragm but do not have a significant gender predisposition and are more related to increased abdominal pressure and age-related factors. Therefore, the rarity and female predominance of femoral hernias make it the correct choice in this context.