Retrospective comparison of laparoscopic and open surgery for obturator hernia: a single-center experience

Abstract

Abstract Purpose This retrospective cohort study aims to compare perioperative outcomes between laparoscopic and open surgical repair of obturator hernia, a rare but clinically significant abdominal wall hernia. Methods We analyzed 13 consecutive patients with CT-confirmed obturator hernia causing small bowel obstruction (2017–2023). Six underwent open repair and seven received laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) repair with mesh. Outcomes included operative time, blood loss, hospitalization duration, and CRP levels. Results Laparoscopic repair significantly reduced hospitalization duration (median 7 vs. 13 days; P = 0.049) and postoperative inflammation (CRP 10.66 vs. 79.07 mg/L; P = 0.003), with less blood loss (10 vs. 30 mL; P = 0.001). No recurrences occurred during 12-month follow-up. Conclusions Laparoscopic obturator hernia repair demonstrates advantages in reducing hospital stay, minimizing surgical trauma, and attenuating systemic inflammatory response as compared to open approach. However, larger multicenter studies are warranted to validate these findings given the limited sample size.

Keywords

• Obturator hernia
• Laparoscopic repair
• Open repair
• Intestinal obstruction
• Surgical outcomes