Obturator Hernia Symptoms

Hernias are abnormal protrusions of organs through a weak spot or abnormal opening. Hernias usually appear in the abdomen or groin area. Obturator hernias are rare and are one of the types of hernias that occur within the abdominal wall (Long, 2002). These hernias are difficult to diagnose in many cases, so it essential that patients be aware of the symptoms and risk factors and have any unusual symptoms evaluated by a medical professional.

Vomiting

• Vomiting is typically a sign of obturator hernias because the hernia typically causes a blockage of the small intestine. A person who is not able to have normal bowel movements typically will feel ill due to the blockage, so this may also occur as a result of the obturator hernia if the hernia completely or partially blocks the small intestine so stool cannot pass (Mian, 1999).

Nausea

• Nausea, when accompanied with other signs and symptoms, can be a sign that someone has an obturator hernia. Nausea is defined as severe stomach upset with or without actually vomiting. Because nausea is a sign and or symptom of many other conditions, nausea alone should not be viewed as sign or symptom of this condition and, therefore, must be accompanied by other common symptoms (Mian, 1999).

Howship-Romberg Sign

• One of the most common and distinctive symptoms of an obturator hernia is presentation of the Howship-Romberg sign. This symptom occurs because the obturator hernia causes irritation of the obturator nerve. This symptom is identified by pain that shoots down the thigh to the groin area. This symptom is exhibited in nearly 68 percent of all patients (Haraguchi, et al., 2007).

Small Bowel Blockage

• This symptom can often be identified through the use of CT scans. These scans look at the bowels to help locate potential blockages. Uncovering the blockages typically means uncovering the obturator hernia as well if one is present, since the hernia itself will show up on the CT scan (Haraguchi, et al., 2007).

Other Characteristics

• Obturator hernias typically occur in elderly women. These types of hernias are also evident in patients who have either lost a great deal of weight rapidly or are skinny to begin with. Although these types of hernias can happen at any point in life, these hernias are more common among patients who are 70 to 80 years old Treatment is usually required to repair the hernia, otherwise death ensues. Obturator hernias are one of the main causes of hernia-related deaths due to the difficulty in diagnosis (Branstetter, 2000).