Strangulated obturator hernia: A rare case report and review of the literature

Abstract

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Obturator hernia is a relatively rare type of abdominal hernia, characterized by protrusion of abdominal contents through the obturator canal, a condition that can lead to small bowel obstruction. It is characterized by distinct clinical presentation. CASE PRESENTATION: This case report describes a rare case of strangulated obturator hernia. A 82-year-old woman came to the emergency department with bowel obstruction and altered general condition. Abdominal and pelvic CT revealed a mechanical bowel obstruction upstream of a strangulated left obturator hernia. An exploratory laparotomy confirmed the strangulated nature of the left obturator hernia. The herniated bowel was reduced manually, with resumption of normal loop staining and herniorrhaphy. Post-operative management was straightforward. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Obturator hernia is a relatively rare type of abdominal hernia in which the abdominal contents protrude through the obturator canal, which can lead to obstruction of the small intestine. Most patients with obturator hernia present with symptoms of intestinal obstruction. Today, CT is the examination of choice. Strangulated obturator hernia is treated surgically. CONCLUSION: Obturator hernia is usually asymptomatic, but can be complicated by strangulation. CT is the key examination for positive diagnosis. Once the diagnosis of occlusion has been made, emergency surgery is indicated.