The Obturator Hernia: A Challenge for Early Diagnosis with Computed Tomography in Emergency Situations

ABSTRACT

Obturator hernias usually occur in elderly persons. We sometimes miss the correct diagnosis because of vague symptoms and signs in older patients at initial presentation. For good clinical outcomes, we should make the correct diagnosis earlier, especially in aged patients. Here we report cases of obturator hernia in two aged patients without specific medical or surgical histories. Two older women suffered obturator hernias, which were characterized by clinical and radiographic features. They did not have any specific surgical and medical histories. For further evaluation of abdominal symptoms and signs, we did an abdominopelvic computed tomography (CT) scan in the emergency department. The CT scan revealed findings compatible with an obturator hernia in the area of the obturator foramen. They were treated and discharged without complications. When obturator hernia is suspected in a patient with related symptoms and signs, early CT scans should be considered to detect obturator hernia.