Obturator hernias are rare hernias that can present with atypical symptoms in the setting of a bowel obstruction. We present an interesting case of an incarcerated obturator hernia that was managed laparoscopically.

A 95 year old female presented with a 12 hour history of obstipation, nausea, and vomiting with lower abdominal pain. An abdominal CT scan revealed a loop of bowel in the obturator foramen, with a bowel obstruction. She underwent laparoscopic reduction of the incarcerated bowel, and a transabdominal preperitoneal inguinal hernia repair.

The operation took one hour, she was discharged on postoperative day number 2. She returned to full activity in 2 weeks after discharge. She has had full return of her bowel function.

Laparoscopic management of an incarcerated obturator is technically feasible and resulted in excellent short term results.