International Journal of Gerontology
Volume 4, Issue 2 , Pages 104-106, June 2010

Obturator Hernia

  • Ho-Hsing Lin

      Affiliations

    • Department of Emergency Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Chung-Ho Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
    • ,
  • Chi-Wen Juan

      Affiliations

    • Department of Emergency Medicine, Dajia Lee's General Hospital, Lee's Medical Corporation, Taichung, Taiwan
    • General Education Center, National Chi-Nan University, Nantou, Taiwan
    • Corresponding Author InformationCorrespondence to: Dr Chi-Wen Juan, Department of Emergency Medicine, Dajia Lee's General Hospital, Lee's Medical Corporation, 2, Bade Street, Ta-Chia Town, Taichung County 43748, Taiwan
    • ,
  • Bau-Tein Chew

      Affiliations

    • Department of Emergency Medicine, Tainan Municipal Hospital, Tainan, Taiwan
    • ,
  • Jui-Ho Chao

      Affiliations

    • Surgical Department, Tainan Municipal Hospital, Tainan, Taiwan

Accepted 23 June 2009.

Article Outline

Summary 

The obturator hernia is a rare form of internal hernia that often presents with a confusing clinical picture. The diagnosis is usually made at laparotomy for small bowel obstruction. It often occurs in elderly, emaciated women. We present a case of obturator hernia in an 89-year-old female. This problem is usually resolved only by surgery. A delay in diagnosis of internal hernia may result in a high probability of morbidity and mortality. Plain abdominal radiography and computed tomography are the most appropriate early diagnostic tools for an obturator hernia. Prompt diagnosis and surgery could have a good clinical result and reduce the mortality rate. Emergency physicians should be alert to the possibility of an obturator hernia.

Key Words:  computed tomography , intestinal obstruction , obturator hernia

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References 

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PII: S1873-9598(10)70032-6

doi:10.1016/S1873-9598(10)70032-6

International Journal of Gerontology
Volume 4, Issue 2 , Pages 104-106, June 2010

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