2012 Volume 24 Issue 3 Pages 247-251
In this report, we present a case of intestinal obstruction secondary to a strangulated obturator hernia in an elderly woman. An 88-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital because she had been experiencing abdominal pain and vomiting for 24h. Her abdomen was distended, and bowel sounds indicating obstruction were heard on auscultation. Diffuse abdominal tenderness was present, but no palpable masses were apparent. The diagnosis of an obturator hernia was confirmed preoperatively by computed tomography. During the emergency laparotomy, the incarcerated intestine was reduced and removed. The obturator foramen was repaired using a simple suture. The patient recovered completely and was discharged seven days after the surgical procedure because no postoperative complications occurred. An early diagnosis and prompt surgical treatment are important to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with an obturator hernia.
