Laparoscopic repair of an obturator hernia; a case report of a contemporary surgical technique

Introduction and importance: Small bowel obstruction secondary to an obturator hernia is a rare presentation associated with high mortality. Prior to the development of laparoscopic surgery, a laparotomy would have been the management technique of choice for this rare presentation.Case presentation: An elderly female with a bowel obstruction secondary to an obturator hernia presented via the Emergency Department. A laparoscopic approach with the use of a haemostatic gauze plug was performed to repair the defect.Clinical discussion: The evolution of surgical techniques, particularly with laparoscopy has resulted in overall benefits regarding patient outcomes. These benefits include lower post operative morbidity, shorter length of stay and decreased post operative pain. This report discusses a laparoscopic approach and the use of a gauze plug to manage an emergent small bowel obstruction secondary to an obturator hernia.Conclusion: The use of a haemostatic gauze agent is an alternate and potentially advantageous approach for an obturator hernia repair in the emergency setting.