Typical versus Atypical Presentation of Obturator Hernia

Although it is a rare occurrence among all pelvic hernias diagnosed the obturator hernia continues to be a diagnostic challenge for surgeons today. These patients, who often have multiple concurrent medical problems, are subject to high morbidity and mortality rates resulting from late presentation and delayed surgical intervention. The vast majority of patients with obturator hernias are admitted with signs and symptoms of intestinal obstruction, namely anorexia, nausea, vomiting, constipation, and distension of 2 to 3 days’ duration. In this paper, however, we highlight a small subset of obturator hernia patients who present without obstructive symptoms and do well after elective repair. The case reports that follow serve to compare and contrast two very different presentations of this surgical problem.