BN SO46 - PANDORA's BOX- When anatomy trumps the pathology

Abstract Background Obturator hernias are usually attributed to elderly females presenting with small bowel obstruction. We present a case of an elderly gentleman with severe Kyphoscoliosis presenting with small bowel obstruction. His past medical history included Ischaemic Heart Disease with stents in the coronary arteries and on dual antiplatelets. His Kyphoscoliosis precluded him from being able to lie flat on his back. The spinal deformity as revealed in the CT scans proved challenging to position him dsafely for surgery. The lack of access between costal margins and the pelvis meant that surgical access with Laparoscopy was going to be impossible. Method After initial resuscitation, he underwent CT scan of his Chest, abdomen and pelvis which revealed an obstructed Obturator Hernia on the left side with small bowel obstruction. The CT was also concerning for the Anaesthetists due to the challenge posed by the severe Kyphoscoliosis. After fibreoptic intubation, abdomen was accessed through a transverse muscle cutting incision, at the level of the umbilicus. The Obturator membrane was approached from above and the hernia was reduced. The obstructed small bowel was viable and the defect in the obturator membrane was closed with No1 Ethibond sutures. The abdomen was closed with mass closure. Results Patient had a smooth post operative period and was discharged home after 2 weeks. Obturator hernias are notorious for their occult presentation. Unless the patient is scanned with CT imaging, it is impossible to make the diagnosis although clinical signs like Howship- Romberg sign may be present with pain on internal rotation of the hip, as a result of irritation of the Obturator nerve. Obturator Neuralgia may be elicited with positive Hannington- Kiff sign, which is an absence of absent adductor reflux in the thigh. Conclusion Obturator hernias are typically seen in skinny old females. When presenting with small bowel obstruction, Obturator herniae are challenging both in terms of diagnosis as well as in management. In our case, the challenging anatomy posed greater risk to safe airway control. From surgical view, laparoscopy as a less invasive option was ruled out because of the restricted access. When anatomy is challenging, the Surgeon will be forced to think outside the box and consider access to the abdomen through incisions which are not routinely used. The preoperative imaging shows the challenge posed by the extreme spinal deformity.