How is an obturator hernia diagnosed?
Obturator hernia is diagnosed by imaging tests including CT scan, ultrasound scan or MRI scan.
What tests are done to check for hernias?
Your doctor will check for a bulge in the groin area. Because standing and coughing can make a hernia more prominent, you’ll likely be asked to stand and cough or strain. If the diagnosis isn’t readily apparent, your doctor might order an imaging test, such as an abdominal ultrasound, CT scan or MRI.
How serious is an obturator hernia?
Obturator hernia is an extremely rare type of hernia with relatively high mortality and morbidity. Its early diagnosis is challenging since the signs and symptoms are non specific.
Can you detect a hernia with an ultrasound?
Ultrasound. An ultrasound uses sound waves to generate images of your pelvic area and abdomen. In women, ultrasounds can help your doctor rule out other causes of pain, such as ovarian cysts or fibroids. In men, an ultrasound can help diagnose inguinal or scrotal hernias.
Where is pain felt when an obturator muscle test is positive?
A positive obturator sign is pain that is elicited in a supine patient by internally and externally rotating the flexed right hip. Rectal examination may reveal right rectal tenderness or an inflammatory mass. Women require pelvic examination to identify possible gynecologic sources of their pain.
How do you fix an obturator hernia?
Obturator hernias are approached abdominally and can be repaired laparoscopically. If the hernia content is difficult to reduce, incision of the obturator membrane at the inferior margin will lessen damage to the obturator vessel or nerve. Mesh closure is necessary for a tension-free repair.
Can a hernia grow inwards?
Yes, although it is rare, an internal hernia can rupture internally. A spontaneous rupture can be caused by coughing, lifting weights, straining with defecation, or under other circumstances that increase intra-abdominal pressure.
What is obturator signs?
• Obturator sign: Pain on passive internal rotation of the hip when the right knee is flexed. It is present when the inflamed appendix is in contact with the obturator internus muscle.
How is the diagnosis of an obturator hernia made?
Obturator hernia occurs when there is protrusion of intra-abdominal contents through the obturator foramen in the pelvis. The signs and symptoms are non specific and generally the diagnosis is made during exploration for the intestinal obstruction, one of the four cardinal features.
Can a hernia of the obturator cause leg pain?
This is pain in the middle of the thigh that may radiate to the knee. Since the intestines have pushed into the obturator foramen, this puts pressure on the obturator nerve resulting in this pain. When the doctors are focused on a bowel obstruction, leg pain may not seem relevant, but it is in an obturator hernia!
Can a hernia be mistaken for a bursa?
If a hernia contains bowel or can be clearly traced through the obturator foramen, then there are very few alternative diagnoses. If seen with ultrasound, it may be mistaken for a bursa or acetabular labral cyst.
Where is the foramen of the obturator located?
The obturator foramen is occluded by the obturator membrane, which is pierced anterosuperiorly by the obturator artery, vein and nerve . This neurovascular bundle then travels along a 2-3 cm oblique tunnel, the obturator canal.