Preoperative diagnosis of strangulated obturator hernia using ultrasonography

Obturator hernia is rarely recognized before surgical intervention, since it is relatively infrequent and its definitive diagnosis is difficult. To change this situation, we introduced ultrasound examination in 1993 for differential diagnosis of strangulated obturator hernia among patients with bowel obstruction of unknown cause.

Between 1993 and 1995, we encountered 15 patients with suspected obturator hernia based on the presence of bowel obstruction of unknown cause and so-called predisposing factors. These patients underwent ultrasound examinations.

The 4 patients with bowel obstruction caused by strangulated obturator hernia were all correctly diagnosed preoperatively by ultrasonography and were successfully cured by surgery. The time required for diagnosis was shorter than reported previously (average 16.5 h).

Ultrasonography is useful and reliable for the diagnosis of strangulated obturator hernia and can decrease the morbidity and mortality associated with delayed diagnosis.