Obturator Hernia in Thai Cadaver: A Case Report

Abstract

Background: The obturator  hernia is relatively rare.A preoperative diagnosis is unusual since the manifestration  shown is highly variable and often concealed by pectineus muscle.High mortality rate of  obturator hernia was due to the difficulty diagnosis and operation.The incidence of obturator hernia has not been reported in Thai cadavers.

Objective: To study the incidence of obturator hernia in Thai cadavers

Results: During pelvic dissection of 104 cadavers (56 males, 48 females),an obturator hernia (0.96 %) was found on the right side of a female of age 56.The hernial mass consisted of a hernial  sac containing fat

tissue surrounded by thin fibrous connective tissue,skeletal muscle and its fascia.The hernial  mass plugged in the obturator foramen with obturator nerve and vessels.The distal end of the hernial mass pass through the obturator canal  to the thigh and located above pectineus muscle.Surprisingly,the  obturator membrane and obturator externus muscle was absent.Histological study  of the distal end of the hernial mass revealed its contents identical to the greater omental tissue.

Conclusions: During gross dissection,an obturator hernia (0.96%) was found on the right side of a female of age 56.The hernial contents showed histological characteristics identical to omental tissue and was surrounded by  peritoneum,skeletal muscle and its fascia.The absence of obturator membrane and obturator externus muscle in this case might be  the weakpoint and caused obturator hernia consequently.