Congenital Spigelian hernia associated with undescended testis

Abstract

A Spigelian hernia (SH) is a ventral interstitial hernia through a defect in the Spigelian fascia; an undescended testis is sometimes associated with this clinical entity in male newborns. The etiopathogenesis, surgical anatomy, diagnostic methods, and treatment for this rare condition are discussed with a review of the literature. A 20-day-old newborn was admitted to our hospital for a swelling in the right lower abdomen and undescended testis. Physical examination of the abdomen and scrotum revealed a congenital SH associated with cryptorchidism. Herniotomy, herniorrhaphy, and orchidopexy were performed. In the post-operative period, scrotal abscess occurred and was drained. After drainage, the fixed testis was found to be atrophic. This association may be a distinct clinical syndrome. The operation time in cases of neonatal SH with undescended testis should be well planned because of probable surgical complications such as vascular damage, tension, or compression.