A rare case of strangulated obturator hernia presenting as subacute intestinal obstruction

Abstract

An obturator hernia is a rare condition but is associated with the highest mortality of all abdominal wall hernias. They are notorious for their diagnostic difficulty and present a challenge to the surgeon. Preoperative diagnosis is often a rarity. They commonly present in elderly emaciated women, typically associated with chronic diseases. The most common symptom is strangulation combined with mechanical intestinal obstruction. Early surgical intervention is often delayed due to the absence of clinical and radiological clues. The following case report highlights these difficulties and reviews current literature on the management of such cases.