Obturator hernia mimicking recurrent femoral hernia: A diagnostic challenge in an elderly patient (case report)

Obturator hernia is a rare cause of bowel obstruction, predominantly affecting elderly women. Its non-specific symptoms often delay diagnosis, increasing the risk of complications.

We report the case of an 86-year-old woman presenting with signs of intestinal obstruction. CT imaging identified a strangulated right obturator hernia without ischemia, managed successfully via laparotomy. This case report has been reported in line with the SCARE 2025 checklist (Kerwan et al., 2025 [1]).

While laparoscopy is increasingly used in selected cases, open surgery remains appropriate in emergencies or when technical conditions are unfavorable. Our decision for laparotomy was guided by marked bowel distension and respiratory constraints.

This case highlights the diagnostic challenge of obturator hernia, particularly in elderly patients with prior hernia history, where atypical presentations may mimic other conditions. Tailored surgical strategies, guided by clinical and intraoperative findings, are essential to optimize outcomes in such high-risk cases.