Hernia indd

Obturator hernia
Obturator hernias are more common in women than in men, espe-
cially thin, multiparous and older women. A wider pelvis and larger 
obturator canal in women may be the predisposing factor. They tend 
to occur more commonly on the right side and may be bilateral in 
about 6% 
(15)
. The hernia sac passes through the obturator foramen 
between obturator muscle and pectineus muscle. This is often a re-
sult of atrophy of the obturator fat. Small intestine often prolapse 
into the foramen with resulting incarceration and presentation as 
small bowel obstruction. Obturator hernia is usually only diagnosed 
at laparotomy or on CT for investigation of unexplained pelvic 
pain. 
Richter hernia
Richter hernias refer to herniation of the anti-mesenteric wall of the 
bowel but not the entire wall circumference. It most commonly oc-
curs in association with femoral hernias and found in older patients 
(6)
. It occurs in women more than men which is likely related to the 
gender distribution of femoral hernias.
Abdominal Wall Hernias: 
The Common and the Uncommon.
Dr Mark Sparnon, Dr Parineet Takhar, Dr Sarah Constantine, Dr Khimseng Tew
Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Woodville, South Australia
Other Rare Hernias