Incarcerated obturator hernia complicated by lower limb venous thrombosis: a case report.

Abstract

Introduction: Obturator hernia is a rare type of abdominal wall hernia, predominantly seen in elderly women. It often presents with symptoms of intestinal obstruction, which require emergency medical attention. Computed tomography scanning is a crucial diagnostic tool for this condition.

Case presentation: This article reports the case of an 80-year-old Chinese female patient with a left-sided incarcerated obturator hernia complicated by ipsilateral intermuscular venous thrombosis in the lower limb. Emergency laparoscopic exploration revealed the simultaneous presence of an ipsilateral inguinal and femoral hernia, along with a contralateral obturator and femoral hernia. After balancing treatment urgency with systemic risk control, the patient underwent the laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal repair to address the left-sided incarcerated obturator hernia, femoral hernia, and inguinal hernia. Postoperatively, the patient recovered well, with significant relief of left leg pain and no progression of the thrombosis.

Conclusion: This case highlights the complexity of diagnosing and managing incarcerated obturator hernias. Successful management relies on vigilance for atypical symptoms, precise imaging evaluation, a multidisciplinary decision-making approach prioritizing emergencies and risk stratification, and the integration of minimally invasive techniques with damage control principles.