[Unusual case of intestinal obstruction at the ileal level: strangulated obturator hernia. A case report].

OBJECTIVE

The authors report their experience about treatment of a rare case of intestinal (ileal) obstruction by strangulated obturator hernia.

DESIGN

Report of 1 case; evaluation of effectiveness of surgical treatment, 2-years follow-up and revision of literature about its clinical presentation and treatment.

SETTING

Operative Unit of General and Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgical, Anatomical and Oncological Disciplines. Policlinico, University of Palermo.

INTERVENTIONS

The patient was submitted to curative and radical surgery.

RESULTS

Resolution of the pathology. Follow up (2 years) negative.

CONCLUSIONS

Obturator hernia is a rare pathology, with difficult and delayed diagnosis: all these character make dangerous this hernia, with a risk of high morbidity and mortality (delayed diagnosis and treatment). The only useful treatment is surgery, especially in front of intestinal obstruction, with a wide median laparotomy.