Bilateral obturator hernia with incarcerated richter type hernia: A case report

Abstract

Obturator hernia are a rare type of hernia which can lead to life threatening bowel ischemia. We report a case of a richter type obturator hernia that was repaired primarily followed by contralateral obturator hernia within two weeks. A contralateral obturator hernia causing bowel obstruction was identified and treated laparoscopically with transabdominal preperitoneal mesh placement just two weeks after exploratory laparotomy with primary repair of left sided obturator hernia for a richter type hernia. This case highlights the importance of checking both obturator foramen for defects during repair of obturator hernia. If repaired open, this may only be realized by palpation and would only be visualized by entering the preperitoneal space.