Laparoscopic repair of traumatic lumbar hernia

Abstract

Lumbar hernia—a defect in the posterolateral abdominal wall—is an uncommon problem. As of 1994, there were fewer than 300 such cases described in the world literature [1]. Although the majority (approximately 80%) of lumbar hernias are acquired, a minority of these are attributed to trauma. A recent review found just 66 cases in the English literature [2]. Most traumatic lumbar hernias are diagnosed acutely and are repaired at laparotomy. However, occasionally the diagnosis is delayed, or the hernia develops in delayed fashion. In that case, a variety of repair techniques are available. The laparoscopic approach oVers durable repair with a shorter hospital length of stay and potentially less complicated convalescence [3, 4]. Herein we report a case of delayed posttraumatic lumbar hernia, repaired laparoscopically. Case report