Obturator hernia natural history, complications and prognosis

Obturator hernia is a rare hernia accounting for less than 1% of all intra abdominal hernias. Morbidity and mortality associated with obturator hernia can be reduced with early diagnosis and prompt surgical intervention.

• Obturator hernia is a rare hernia accounting for less than 1% of all intra abdominal hernias.^[1]
• Clinical diagnosis is considered challenging as symptoms are nonspecific.
• Obturator hernia should be strongly suspected in an elderly woman with small bowel obstruction and Obturator neuralgia.^[2]
• Obturator hernia should be included in the elderly women with chronic pelvic pain.
• Morbidity and mortality associated with Obturator hernia can be reduced with early diagnosis and prompt surgical intervention.^[3]

• Common complications of obturator hernia include^[4]
  • Bowel obstruction
  • Strangulation or Incarceration
  • Perforation
  • Bowel Ischemia

• Laproscopic approach has lower post-operative complication rates when compared to open laparotomy in stable patients.^[5]
• Obturator hernias carry significant morbidity and mortality which can be reduced with early diagnosis and surgical intervention.^[6]