Early CT-Based Diagnosis and Surgical Management of a Strangulated but Viable Obturator Hernia: A Case Report and Literature Review

Introduction

Obturator hernia is a rare pelvic hernia, accounting for less than 1% of all abdominal wall hernias (1,2). It predominantly affects elderly, thin, multiparous women and often presents as small bowel obstruction with high morbidity and mortality due to delayed diagnosis (3,4). We report a case of a strangulated obturator hernia without bowel necrosis, successfully managed by simple reduction and defect closure. Presentation of Case: A 79-year-old female presented with acute small bowel obstruction. CT scan revealed a right obturator hernia containing a viable ileal loop. Emergency laparotomy confirmed a strangulated but viable bowel. The herniated loop was reduced, and the obturator defect was closed with non-absorbable sutures. No bowel resection was required. Postoperative recovery was uneventful.