Incidental Finding of Bladder Herniation Through the Obturator Canal: A Cadaveric Observation

Obturator bladder hernia is an exceedingly rare condition, presenting with groin or pelvic pain or nonspecific bladder symptoms. We report an incidental finding of a chronic, long-standing obturator bladder hernia during the routine dissection of a donor with a thin body habitus. The hernia presented as a pedunculated extension of the anterolateral upper aspect of the bladder, traversing the right obturator foramen and flattening externally between the external obturator and pectineus muscles. Focal adhesions at the obturator foramen and dilation of the obturator canal suggested chronicity. Although incidentally discovered, the anatomical location of this hernia could potentially have caused obturator nerve compression. Our observations suggest that the true incidence of insidious obturator hernias may be underreported, emphasizing the need for increased clinical vigilance and routine pelvic imaging. This case further highlights the importance of recognizing chronic obturator hernias, particularly in elderly, frail individuals, as they may go undetected until incidental findings or post-mortem examinations.