Spigelian hernia - an unusual abdominal hernia: a case report and review of literature

Abstract

Spigelian hernias are rare abdominal wall defects that occur at the semilunar line lateral to the rectus abdominis muscle. They are situated between the muscular layers of the abdominal wall and can be easily overlooked because of abdominal obesity. Generally difficult to diagnose because of their location and vague non-specific symptoms radiographic studies have been beneficial in confirming the diagnosis. The diagnosis has been considerably aided by the introduction of ultrasonography and Computed Tomography (CT). Once the diagnosis is made operative management is indicated due to chances of incarceration. We report a 48 years old patient from the IMS and SUM hospital, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India who presented with colicky lower abdominal pain associated with a non-tender swelling above and lateral to the left inguinal canal. A diagnosis of Spigelian hernia was made and confirmed on exploration. The hernia was reduced and the defect repaired. His recovery was uneventful.