Obturator hernia: a new device in mesh repair

Obturator hernia is a rare cause of bowel obstruction which occurs mostly in elderly patients. Because symptoms are non-specific and hernia is rarely detectable on physical examination, preoperative diagnosis is difficult. Delay in diagnosis frequently leads to strangulation of the hernia and bowel resection so mortality remains high (25%). Although several techniques of obturator hernia repair have been described, surgical repair has not been standardized. We report a case of obturator hernia in a male patient previously operated on for inguinal hernia. It was discovered while operating for suspected recurrence of the right inguinal hernia. A new technical device which consists of the use of metal anchors allowed precise positioning of the mesh and avoids future dislocation.