LAPAROSCOPIC TREATMENT OF COMPLICATED OBTURATOR HERNIA: A CASE SERIES OF 6 PATIENTS

Obturator hernia is a rare type of abdominal hernia. Preoperative diagnosis of obturator hernia is often challenging due to non-specific signs and symptoms, leading to late diagnosis and increased mortality. Laparoscopic repair has been suggested as one of the alternative options for complicated inguinal hernias. We describe a case series of 6 consecutive patients diagnosed with complicated obturator hernia and treated by laparoscopic repair. All patients were females, aged 81 to 90 years old. Most of them were underweight (BMI < 18.5). All cases presented with acute small bowel obstruction. All cases were unilateral obturator hernia. Concomitant femoral hernia existed in 3 cases (50%). Bowel resection was required in 2 cases due to bowel ischemia and perforation. Four of six cases were repaired using synthetic mesh, and the two remaining patients were treated with peritoneal closure and medial umbilical fold flap reinforcement. There were no postoperative deaths. Laparoscopic repair seems to be a safe and effective option for the treatment of complicated obturator hernia.