Related Experiment Videos
Obturator hernia needs a laparotomy, not a diagnosis
1Department of Surgery, York Hospital, Pennsylvania 17405, USA.
American Journal of Surgery
|July 1, 1995
Summary
Obturator hernias are rare causes of small-bowel obstruction, often delaying diagnosis and surgical intervention. Laparotomy is typically required for treatment, rather than preoperative diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Surgical Oncology
Background:
- Obturator hernias are exceptionally rare, representing 0.05% of all hernias.
- They account for 0.2% of small-bowel obstructions necessitating laparotomy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the diagnostic challenges and treatment outcomes of obturator hernias.
- To emphasize the need for surgical intervention in cases of suspected obturator hernia.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of patients undergoing laparotomy for small-bowel obstruction.
- Analysis of diagnostic delays and surgical findings in obturator hernia cases.
Main Results:
- Obturator hernias are infrequently diagnosed preoperatively.
- Delayed diagnosis is common, leading to emergent surgical intervention.
- Laparotomy remains the primary treatment modality.
Conclusions:
- Obturator hernias present a diagnostic challenge, often leading to delayed surgical intervention.
- Prompt surgical management via laparotomy is crucial for effective treatment.
- Preoperative diagnosis is often not feasible or necessary given the clinical presentation.