OBTURATOR HERNIAS Meaning and
Definition
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Obturator hernias are a specific type of hernia that occur in the pelvis. A hernia is characterized by the protrusion or bulging of a portion of an organ or tissue through a weakened or abnormal opening in the surrounding wall or cavity. In the case of obturator hernias, the protrusion occurs through an opening called the obturator foramen, which is located in the pelvic bone.
Obturator hernias are relatively rare but are more commonly observed in older adults, particularly women. They are often referred to as "little old lady" hernias. The pelvic bone's obturator foramen acts as the site of weakness where a part of the abdominal or pelvic contents, typically a portion of the small intestine, can push through and become trapped. This can lead to significant complications, including bowel obstruction and strangulation, which can be life-threatening if not promptly diagnosed and treated.
Symptoms of an obturator hernia can be subtle and non-specific, making diagnosis challenging. However, common signs include pain in the inner thigh or groin that worsens with walking or certain movements, as well as abdominal discomfort and nausea. Due to the difficulty in diagnosis, imaging tests such as abdominal computed tomography (CT) scans or ultrasound examinations are often employed to confirm the presence of an obturator hernia.
Surgical repair is the mainstay treatment for obturator hernias. The specific approach may depend on the patient's overall health and the severity and extent of the hernia. Without intervention, obturator hernias can lead to potentially life-threatening complications due to bowel obstruction and compromised blood supply to the trapped contents.
Common Misspellings for OBTURATOR HERNIAS
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- obtjrator hernias
- obtirator hernias
Etymology of OBTURATOR HERNIAS
The term "obturator hernia" has its roots in Latin and derives from two words: "obturator" and "hernia".
The word "obturator" refers to the obturator foramen, a small opening in the hip bone. It comes from the Latin verb "obturare", which means "to stop up or close off".
The term "hernia" refers to a condition in which an organ or tissue protrudes through an opening in the surrounding muscle or connective tissue. It comes from the Latin word "hernia", which means "to rupture" or "to protrude".
Therefore, "obturator hernia" refers to a hernia that occurs when a section of the intestine or another abdominal organ pushes through the obturator foramen, which is a rare type of hernia.
