Effective Treatment for Incarcerated Obturator Hernia With Bowel Dilatation by Combined Laparoscopy and Preperitoneal Approach: A Case Report

Background: We report a case of a 90-year-old woman with intestinal obstruction due to left-sided incarcerated obturator hernia, which was revealed using computed tomography. Methods: Emergency surgerywas performed using laparoscopy, which showed a dilated small intestine and bilateral obturator hernia in the intraperitoneal space. After reducing incarceration of the small intestine using laparoscopy, we approached the bilateral preperitoneal space and inserted a Kugel patch via a small lower abdominal median incision (approximately 4 cm). Results: The patient was discharged on postoperative day 10 and showed no recurrence at the 18-month follow-up. Although relatively rare, obturator hernia can significantly cause intestinal obstruction. It has no specific clinical symptoms and is thus often difficult to diagnose. Treating obturator hernia is essential; however, mesh infection, recurrence, and opposite side of the obturator hernia should be carefully monitored. Conclusions: Although laparoscopy is used for treating obturator hernia, it may be difficult in patients with intestinal obstruction. In this case, a surgical technique combining laparoscopy and preperitoneal space approach via a small lower abdominal median incision was used to effectively treat an incarcerated occult bilateral obturator hernia.