Dr Harsh Shah
MS, MCh (Surgical Gastroenterology), DrNB (Surgical Gastroenterology)
Registered with Gujarat Medical Council, Reg. No. G-38738
Robotic Hernia Surgeon · Apollo Hospital, Bhat, Gandhinagar · Gota OPD, Ahmedabad
In short
Most hernias show as a lump. The obturator hernia almost never does. It is rare, it sits deep in the pelvis, and it is often found only when the bowel becomes blocked.
This page explains who gets it, the clues to look for, and why it is treated quickly.
The pelvis has a small canal on each side, under the hip joint. A nerve and blood vessels pass through it to the inner thigh. Normally the canal is plugged with fat.
When that fat thins out, a loop of bowel can slip into the canal. That is an obturator hernia. The canal is narrow and firm, so the bowel gets trapped easily.
It is seen mostly in older women. Many are thin or have lost weight through illness. Several pregnancies, a long-standing cough and constipation add strain.
Men can get it too, but rarely.
Clues that point to an obturator hernia
| Clue | What it looks like | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Who | Older woman, thin or after weight loss | The typical person affected |
| Thigh or knee pain | Pain down the inner thigh, worse when the hip moves | The hernia presses on a nerve |
| Bowel trouble | Vomiting, swollen belly, no gas passed | Bowel may be trapped |
| Comes and goes | Episodes that settle, then return | The hernia slips in and out |
| Test | CT scan of belly and pelvis | The usual way it is found |
An older family member with inner thigh pain and repeated vomiting? Seek urgent care first, then bring the CT report.
There is no lump to see, because the hernia lies under thick thigh muscles. The thigh or knee pain is easy to blame on arthritis. The vomiting is easy to blame on a stomach upset.
So it is often found only on a CT scan done for a blocked bowel. By then it may need an urgent operation.
Warning signs that need help the same day
Go to an emergency department. Mention any past episodes that settled on their own.
An obturator hernia is repaired once it is found. The surgeon frees the bowel, checks that it is healthy, and closes the canal, usually with a mesh.
If found before the bowel is blocked, keyhole or robotic repair is often possible. If the bowel has been trapped for long, a part may need to be removed.
It is rare. It is seen mostly in older women who are thin or have lost a lot of weight. Many have had several children.
The hernia passes through a small canal deep in the pelvis, under thick thigh muscles. It is too deep to see or feel.
A nerve runs through the same canal. When the hernia presses on it, pain spreads down the inner thigh towards the knee.
A CT scan of the belly and pelvis is the usual test. It is often found when a CT is done for vomiting or a blocked bowel.
Yes. Because it traps bowel easily, repair is advised once it is found. If the bowel is blocked, surgery is done urgently.
The main page on this site is robotic hernia surgery in Ahmedabad. These cover the neighbouring questions.
Where to find us
Dr Harsh Shah, MS, MCh (Surgical Gastroenterology), DrNB (Surgical Gastroenterology)
Shah's Gastro, Cancer & Robotic Surgery Centre
Apollo Hospital, Bhat, Gandhinagar
Gota OPD, Ahmedabad
Bring your reports. Second opinions are welcome.
Swasth Parivar: twice a month, practical advice on recovery, diet and warning signs. No advertising. Stop any time.
Your number is used for these updates and for the clinic to reach you. It is never sold or passed on. To stop, reply STOP on WhatsApp.