2011 Volume 31 Issue 5 Pages 793-796
Obturator hernia is a rare condition which typically affects elderly females and can cause intestinal obstruction. We report on a case of obturator hernia treated with the direct Kugel method via an inguinal approach. An 85-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital because of vomiting and left lower abdominal pain. Pelvic CT scan revealed a left obturator hernia and an emergency operation was performed. Aiming at less surgical stress, we employed an inguinal approach, via which the obturator foramen was examined. After releasing the incarcerated hernia, the hernia opening was closed using a Direct Kugel Patch. An adequate view for the operative maneuver can be obtained and the stress on the patient can be minimized by the inguinal approach. This method seems to be a safe and beneficial procedure in that it is less invasive and allows prevention of other hernias.
