Permacol Patch Repair for Obstructed Obturator Hernia: A Case Report and Review of Literature

Obturator hernias present a diagnostic challenge and diagnosis is rarely made due to vague signs and symptoms. However, symptoms of intestinal obstruction are present in approximately 90% of cases. Obstruction is usually partial rather than complete and may be acute or intermittent. Preoperative diagnosis of obturator hernia is made in only 10%–30% of operated cases and is often delayed until laparotomy for incarceration or strangulation of the small bowel. Delayed diagnosis markedly increases postoperative morbidity and mortality, especially because the affected patients are often old with other comorbid conditions.