Incarcerated obturator hernia: two case reports and review of the literature

Two patients were recently treated for incarcerated obturator hernias. Although the entity is unusual, the consequences of strangulation obstruction magnify its importance. Awareness of the natural history of the disease and the pathognomonic Howship-Romberg sign should reduce the incidence of gangrenous bowel and its resultant complications. The pitfalls encountered in the care of two patients and a review of the literature form the basis for this report.