Pre-operative diagnosis of obturator hernia: a report of two cases

Obturator hernias are rare, accounting for less than 1.5% of all hernias, and usually present with acute intestinal obstruction requiring emergency surgery. They are rarely diagnosed in the elective setting. We discuss two cases, a 52-year-old man and a 71-year-old woman, both presenting electively with a history suggestive of occult groin hernia; neither had a palpable lump. They both underwent out-patient herniography which demonstrated obturator hernia and both patients subsequently had elective laparoscopic repair, with good results. A high index of suspicion along with appropriate use of imaging modality allows for early identification of this rare condition. Early intervention can prevent the morbidity and mortality associated with complicated obturator hernia.