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Small bowel obstruction secondary to strangulated obturator hernia with transected ileal segment: A case report

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Obturator hernia is a rare abdominal wall hernia (<1 % incidence) that occurs through the obturator foramen, often in elderly, emaciated women. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) of the abdomen and pelvis is the diagnostic modality of choice, with a high accuracy of 78 %-100 %. CASE PRESENTATION: An 84-year-old frail woman with COPD presented with generalized abdominal pain, abdominal distention, vomiting, and right thigh pain. CECT revealed a right-sided obturator hernia causing small bowel obstruction. Emergency exploratory laparotomy revealed a right-sided strangulated obturator hernia. Postoperatively, the patient developed septic shock and multiorgan dysfunction syndrome (MODS) and succumbed to death on the 5th postoperative day. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Obturator hernia is a rare abdominal hernia with an incidence of 0.07-1 %, an often-overlooked condition, more common in elderly women (around 70-90 years) with risk factors like low BMI, multiparity, and chronic conditions such as COPD. It presents with nonspecific symptoms, including abdominal pain, distension, and vomiting, and is often difficult to diagnose. Early CECT has improved the preoperative diagnosis rate from 43 % to 90 %, thus playing a crucial role in preventing morbidity and mortality. Treatment is surgical, but the mortality rate is high due to delayed diagnosis, bowel strangulation, and underlying preexisting illness. CONCLUSION: Obturator hernias are a rare but important cause of small bowel obstruction, especially in elderly, frail, malnourished women without prior abdominal surgeries. Medial thigh pain and mild abdominal distension warrant high suspicion and prompt diagnosis using CECT. Early surgical intervention is critical to prevent severe complications and reduce associated morbidity and mortality.

Source: International Journal of Surgery Case Reports

DOI: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2025.111098

Authors: Sabin K. Ghimire, Samrat Shrestha, Rahul Jha, Suresh Maharjan, Mecklina Shrestha

Institutions: Bir Hospital, National Academy of Medical Sciences, College of Medical Sciences

Language: English

Topic: Hernia repair and management

Subfield: Surgery

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,090