Obturator hernia diagnosed and treated by laparascopy: A case report

Obturator hernia is relatively rare type of hernia. Although we may characterize the susceptible patients, symptoms of obturator hernia are often vague, making the preoperative diagnosis a challenge. The diagnosis is usually made at laparotomy for intestinal obstruction or peritonitis. We herein report a case of obturator hernia diagnosed and treated by laparoscopy. A 62-year-old female presented with a vague parapubic lump and less acute nonspecific symptoms, so we performed an exploratory laparoscopy electively. An obturator hernia was diagnosed and repaired successfully. The patient was discharged uneventfully the following day. No recurrence of the hernia and no similar symptoms were noted during follow-up to this date. Without conclusive historical or physical findings, especially without evidence of acute complete intestinal obstruction, laparoscopic approach may offer a minimally invasive method for diagnosis and treatment of obturator hernia.