Obturator Hernia

A hernia is caused when the abdominal contents protrudes through a weak spot in the abdominal wall. An obturator hernia is a very rare type of hernia that occurs through an opening in the pelvis.  An obturator hernia is caused when the intestine bulges through the obturator foramen opening. This type of hernia occurs in women particularly elderly women.

Obturator Hernia – Symptoms

Symptoms of Obturator hernia include:

• Bowel obstruction
• Abdominal bloating
• Pain
• Constipation
• Nausea
• Vomiting

Causes of Obturator Hernia

Aging can cause loosening of muscle mass and fatty tissue and the intestine enters the obturator canal. Multiple child birth and obesity can also cause obturator hernia. It can be diagnosed by imaging tests like CT scan, ultrasound scan or MRI scan of the abdomen.

Treatment

Obturator hernia can be treated with Laparoscopic surgery. The surgery is initiated by administering a dose of anesthesia to relax the patient and to reduce the pain and discomfort. The surgeon then makes a small incision in the abdominal wall and inserts a laparoscope to view inside of the abdominal cavity and associated organs. The surgeon makes few more incisions to insert two more instruments and the bulged tissues are pushed back and placed in position. Later a mesh is placed in the weak spot of the abdominal wall to prevent the possibility of reoccurrence of hernia. Later the incisions are closed with self dissolving sutures.

After the surgery, medications are administrated to reduce pain and discomfort of the surgery. The patient can leave the hospital in a day or two and resume normal life in a week’s time.

Advantages of laparoscopic hernia repair include:

• Small incisions
• Lowers chance of infection
• Less postoperative pain
• Reduced hospital stay
• Minimal scars
• Faster recovery time

Hernia – Other Types

• Inguinal hernia
• Hiatal hernia
• Ventral Hernia
• Femoral Hernia
• Umbilical hernia
• Incisional hernia

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