Loin to groin pain –A case report of an intermittent obturator hernia mimicking ureteric colic

INTRODUCTION: Obturator hernia is a rare condition and can cause significant diagnostic challenges due to a lack of reliable clinical examination signs. Presentations can have a variety of features and it is a diagnosis that needs to be considered – especially in elderly multiparous women. PRESENTATION OF CASE: We present a 76-year-old female who has multiple presentations to the Emergency Department (ED) with transient episodes of severe loin to groin pain. Imaging Computer Tomography (CT) initially demonstrated a mild left hydronephrosis and she underwent an unremarkable ureteroscopy and stenting. Following stent removal she continued to have recurrent episodes of the pain. She presented to the ED with one such episode. A repeat CT scan was performed and this demonstrated an obturator hernia with partial small bowel obstruction. She underwent a laparoscopy by which time the hernia had reduced and her pain had settled. Laparoscopy revealed bilateral obturator herniae with the one on left larger than the right. Both were repaired laparoscopically and she made an uneventful recovery. DISCUSSION: Obturator hernia is an uncommon condition and can have a varied presentation. Comprehensive review of literature demonstrates the difficulty in making accurate diagnosis. Open intervention was the initial gold standard of treatment but there is a growing body of evidence advocating for the use of laparoscopy in an emergency setting. CONCLUSION: Early diagnostic imaging with CT while a patient is symptomatic can aid in making an accurate diagnosis. Laparoscopic repair can be safely used with good outcome in the context of an incarcerated obturator hernia.