Introduction:
Obturator hernia is a rare condition accounting for less than 1% of all intra abdominal hernias. Clinical diagnosis is considered a challenge for most surgeons. It usually appears as an intestinal obstruction. Confirmation of diagnosis is carried out by means of imaging or during surgery.
Case report:
An 85-year-old female patient, with symptoms of intestinal obstruction of 24h duration was admitted to the emergency room of Unimed Hospital - Belo Horizonte. Abdominal computed tomography (CT) demonstrated a herniation of the small bowel through the right obturator canal with an intestinal distension proximally. At laparotomy, the presence of a right obturator hernia with an ileal strangulation was confirmed. Segmental enterectomy with primary anastomosis and herniorrhaphy for the closure of the obturator foramen were performed.
Discussion:
Obturator hernias typically affect women, elderly, emaciated and multiparous. Symptoms are non-specific and associated with an intestinal obstruction. Howship-Romberg sign, considered pathognomonic, is generally absent. Abdominal CT scan can aid in pre-operative diagnosis and the treatment is surgical.
Conclusion:
Early diagnosis and surgical treatment are imperative in obturator hernias due to the high morbidity and mortality that occur in cases where the intervention is delayed.