Laparoscopic treatment of complicated obturator hernia: A case series of 6 patients

Abstract

Abstract Obturator hernia (OH) is a rare type of abdominal hernia. Preoperative diagnosis of OH is often challenging because of nonspecific signs and symptoms, leading to late diagnosis and increased mortality. Laparoscopic repair has been suggested as one of the alternative options for complicated inguinal hernias. We describe a case series of 6 consecutive patients diagnosed with complicated OH and treated by laparoscopic repair. All patients were females, aged 81 to 90 years. Most of them were underweight (body mass index, <18.5 kg/m2). All cases presented with acute small bowel obstruction. All cases were unilateral OH. Concomitant femoral hernia existed in 3 cases (50%). Bowel resection was required in 2 cases because of bowel ischemia and perforation. Four of 6 cases were repaired using synthetic mesh, and the 2 remaining patients were treated with peritoneal closure and medial umbilical fold flap reinforcement. There were no postoperative deaths. Laparoscopic repair seems to be a safe and effective option for the treatment of complicated OH.