title: Obturator hernia with ureteral entrapment.
abstract: Obturator hernia of the ureter is uncommon. Computed tomography of a 77-year-old woman with sudden-onset lower left abdominal pain and urinary symptoms showed an obturator hernia with ureteral entrapment. Obturator hernia is a diagnostic challenge because the hernial mass is very insidious. It should be suspected in emaciated, multiparous, elderly women presenting with unexplained pain in the groin, hip, thigh or knee. High levels of clinical suspicion of high-risk patients and recourse to investigation by computed tomography are important, as delay in diagnosis and treatment is associated with increased morbidity and mortality.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Ospedale Beata Vergine, Mendrisio, Switzerland.
authors.forename: Matteo
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Izzo
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Ospedale Beata Vergine, Mendrisio, Switzerland.
authors.forename: Luca
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Regusci
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Ospedale Beata Vergine, Mendrisio, Switzerland.
authors.forename: Fabrizio
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Fasolini
keywords: Obturator hernia; Surgical technique; Ureteral entrapment