Obturator hernia presenting partial obstruction in an elderly patient

Obturator hernia (OH) is a relatively rare pelvic hernia. OH is usually seen in elderly, multiparous females and patients with a low body weight. Obturator hernia accounts for 0.07-0.4% of all intraabdominal hernias and 0.2-5.8% of small bowel hernias. The diagnosis of obturator hernia can be difficult and often delayed. Any therapeutic delay is associated with serious complications and higher mortality rates. The correct preoperative diagnosis of obturator hernia is facilitated by computed tomography (CT). Our case was admitted to our emergency unit with intolerance to oral intake for one week. Abdominal ultrasonography was not helpful. The CT of the abdomen revealed the incarcerated intestinal segment. Diagnostic laparoscopy confirmed the CT findings. The intestine was gangrenous and perforated. Segmental resection and anastomosis was performed. Early diagnosis and surgical intervention are essential. This demonstrates that emergency CT scan is useful for the diagnosis of obturator hernia in patients presenting with mechanical intestinal obstruction of unknown origin.