Laparoscopic management of Spigelian hernia

An unusual presentation of an incarcerated Spigelian hernia

Spigelian hernias are rare hernias, occurring through a defect in the Spigelian aponeurosis. Like other hernias, they may contain abdominal contents but are more likely to be incarcerated due to the small size of the fascial defect. Multiple intra-abdominal organs have reportedly been found in Spigelian hernias. A search of the literature showed only nine reported cases in which an appendix has been found within a Spigelian hernia. We present a patient with a history of lower abdominal pain since 10 weeks with a large intra-abdominal mass in the right iliac fossa. Due to abscess formation with spontaneous evacuation through the abdominal wall, drainage and incision were performed and the patient was treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics. An explorative laparoscopy after six weeks showed an incarcerated appendix in a Spigelian hernia.

Laparoscopic Spigelian Hernia Repair: A Systematic Review

PURPOSE

Spigelian hernias (SHs) account for 1% to 2% of abdominal wall hernias. Traditionally they have been repaired using an open technique. Since 1992, laparoscopic methods have become increasingly popular with various techniques being described in the literature. This systematic review aims to represent the current trends in laparoscopic repair of SHs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The databases MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched for appropriate terms regarding SH repair. Papers describing laparoscopic repair of SH were included.

RESULTS

Fifty articles were identified for the final review. No randomized controlled trials comparing laparoscopic techniques were identified. Two hundred thirty-seven SHs were repaired by various techniques. Intraperitoneal onlay mesh technique was the most popular repair method with minimal complications and recurrences reported in all techniques.

CONCLUSIONS

There are a number of laparoscopic techniques available to the surgeon repairing a SH. Overall, laparoscopic repair of the SH is a safe and acceptable method.

Twelve years of experience treating Spigelian hernia

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

A Spigelian hernia (SH) is an acquired ventral hernia that most commonly occurs in the Spigelian belt. Patients may experience pain or a bulge in the abdominal area, but in most cases there are no symptoms. If left untreated the hernia may become strangulated, which could lead to bowel obstruction.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We reviewed 28 surgical patients with SH between January 2002 and December 2013. We evaluated the incidence of complications, recurrences, and the length of hospital stay with comorbidities, body mass index, clinical presentation, and operative techniques.

RESULTS

The 28 patients included 10 males and 18 females, with a mean age of 67 years. Seven patients (26.9%) received emergency operations, and the remaining patients received elective operations. An "open-direct" operative approach was used in 16 cases and a laparoscopic approach in 12. The overall complication rate was 7.6% and the recurrence rate was 3.8% with a median follow-up of 3 years. The median hospital stay was 1 day (range, 1-7). Only the presence of local complications at diagnosis showed a significant impact on length of hospital stay. None of the considered variables had a significant impact on hernia recurrence.

CONCLUSION

No differences were noted among the operative techniques, wound infections, complications rate, and length of hospital stay. Laparoscopy seems to cause more early postoperative pain that reverses in about 2 weeks.

Radiological and clinical examination in the diagnosis of Spigelian hernias

INTRODUCTION

Spigelian hernia are rarely reported lateral abdominal wall hernias. Clinical diagnosis of a suspected hernia can be challenging owing to vague presenting symptoms and signs. This study aimed to investigate the accuracy of preoperative imaging and clinical examination in the diagnosis of Spigelian hernias.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was performed of patients who presented to North Tyneside and Wansbeck General Hospitals between 1998 and 2010. All patients were assessed by a consultant general surgeon in the outpatient clinic or on the surgical admissions ward. Patients were included who presented with a history suggestive of a Spigelian hernia and a palpable lump or equivocal clinical examination. All patients proceeded to surgery, which was used as the reference standard.

RESULTS

Overall, correlation with operative findings showed computed tomography (CT) to have a sensitivity of 100% and a positive predictive value (PPV) of 100%. Ultrasonography had a sensitivity of 90% and a PPV of 100%. Clinical assessment alone had a sensitivity of 100% and a PPV of 36%.

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows that ultrasonography and CT have a high sensitivity and PPV in relation to occult Spigelian hernias. When no obvious Spigelian hernia is present, patients should be evaluated with radiological investigation to establish a diagnosis. Owing to diagnostic uncertainty, a laparoscopic approach should be favoured.

Emergent laparoscopic repair of a spigelian hernia: case report and review of the literature

A spigelian hernia is a protrusion through an anterior abdominal wall defect along the linea semilunaris. The traditional method of repair consists of an open surgical technique requiring a lengthy abdominal incision to allow visualization of the defect. However, with the emergence and availability of laparoscopic techniques, a minimally invasive approach is feasible. Only eight prior case reports have documented emergent laparoscopic repair of a spigelian hernia. We describe the first successful laparoscopic repair of a spigelian hernia in an emergent setting at our institution.

Incarcerated appendix in a Spigelian hernia

Spigelian hernias are rare, making up only 1-2% of all hernias. Like other hernias, they may contain abdominal contents but are more likely to be incarcerated due to the small size of the fascial defect.(1) We describe here the case of a 71-year-old female with a 10-year history of right lower quadrant pain that remained undiagnosed despite multiple imaging studies. Prior to presentation the patient developed a new bulge and increasing pain at this site; an ultrasound revealed the presence of a bowel-containing hernia. The patient was taken urgently to the operating room for a laparoscopic Spigelian hernia repair, and was found to have an incarcerated appendix in the hernia. After the hernia was reduced, an appendectomy was performed and the hernia was repaired with biological mesh. Postoperatively, the patient did well, and her pain resolved.

Emergency intraperitoneal onlay mesh repair of incarcerated spigelian hernia

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Spigelian hernia is a rare cause of incarcerated ventral abdominal hernia that may pose a diagnostic dilemma. However, with the increasing utilization of double contrast computed tomography (CT) for undiagnosed small bowel obstruction in a virgin abdomen, more such cases are being diagnosed with increasing confidence. Furthermore, with the rapid expansion of the indications for minimal access surgery in emergency situations, these rare emergencies are increasingly tackled using a laparoscopic approach leading to swift patient recovery and discharge.

METHODS

We present the case of an emergency intraperitoneal onlay mesh (IPOM) repair of Spigelian hernia, causing acute small bowel obstruction in a 55-year-old man with liver disease and ascites that was diagnosed using a CT scan. We conducted a search of Medline, Embase, Science Citation Index, Current Contents, PubMed, and the Cochrane Database to review the history of laparoscopic repair of Spigelian hernia and its various advancements, which are briefly presented here.

RESULTS

The hernia was successfully reduced using laparoscopy, revealing a moderate-size defect in the linea semilunaris. The hernial defect was repaired with a composite mesh that was tacked into position. The patient was discharged from the hospital on the second postoperative day.

CONCLUSIONS

Spigelian hernia in an emergency setting can be easily and swiftly repaired using the IPOM method utilizing a composite mesh.

Emergency and elective laparoscopic repair of spigelian hernias: two case reports and a review of the literature

Diagnosing spigelian hernias through physical examination can be particularly challenging. Increasingly, laparoscopy is being used to both confirm the diagnosis and carry out therapeutic repair. Here, we describe 2 cases of successful laparoscopic repair of spigelian hernias using an Endocatch assisted sutured technique. A review of the literature describing the role of laparoscopy in the management of spigelian hernia is also provided.

Non-traumatic lateral abdominal wall hernia

A rare lateral abdominal wall hernia is described in an adult patient. This was diagnosed in a patient with a prominent right lateral abdominal wall deformity. The patient had been experiencing pain that increased progressively in severity over time. A computerized tomography (CT) scan of the abdomen revealed the location of the lateral abdominal wall defect. The hernia defect was through the transversus abdominis and the internal oblique, with the inferior aspect of the 11th rib forming part of the superior border of the defect. A 4-cm bony spur from the inferior aspect of the rib formed part of the lateral margin of the defect. The hernia sac was contained within a space underneath the external oblique muscle. The association of the hernia defect with a bony spur was highly suggestive of a congenital etiology. The hernia was successfully repaired laparoscopically with Parietex mesh (Sofradim, Lyons, France), and the patient had resolution of the symptoms on discharge and follow-up visits.

Mesh-Free Laparoscopic Spigelian Hernia Repair

Varied Spigelian hernia mesh repair techniques have been described, although evidence suggests laparoscopy results in less morbidity and shorter hospitalization compared with open procedures. Laparoscopic suture repair of Spigelian hernias is rarely reported. Two patients with small Spigelian hernias (≤2 cm) were diagnosed and repaired laparoscopically using a transabdominal suture technique. Under laparoscopic guidance, a suture-passer was used to place two or three transfacial, interrupted 0 polypropylene sutures along the horizontal plane of the defect. Sutures were tied extracorporeally and closure was confirmed laparoscopically. These cases spurred a review of world literature (2001–2007) including clinical characteristics, operative techniques, and urgency of operations in Spigelian hernia patients. Data were compared using Fisher's exact test. One year postoperatively, the patients are without sequelae or recurrence. Literature review demonstrated most patients were females ( P < 0.001), ranged in age from 60 to 80 years ( P = 0.042), and presented with left-sided hernias ( P = 0.026). Open mesh repair (182/392 cases; 47%) was the most common technique; however, increasingly articles describe laparoscopic mesh repair. Mesh-free laparoscopic suture repair is feasible and safe. This novel uncomplicated approach to small Spigelian hernias combines the benefits of laparoscopic localization, reduction, and closure without the morbidity and cost associated with foreign material.

A man with recurrent lower abdominal pain: Spigelian hernia

Recurrent abdominal pain due to spigelian hernia (SH) is rare and notoriously difficult to diagnose. This is particularly true when patient present with pain only without visible or palpable mass. Ultrasonic scanning and computed tomography is valuable in diagnosing this rare condition. However, for a small hernia with its content reduced spontaneously during examination, even computed tomography will miss the diagnosis. In the era of laparoscopic surgery, the role of laparoscopy in the management of recurrent abdominal pain of unknown origin has become more and more important. It is especially true in the management of SH as it is both diagnostic and therapeutic. We report a case of SH presented as recurrent lower abdominal pain of unknown origin and its successful diagnosis and treatment by laparoscopic approach.

Laparoscopic Spigelian Hernia Repair: The Scroll Technique

Spigelian hernia is a rare clinical entity. It has a subtle clinical presentation with vague abdominal pain that may warrant laparoscopy. Even though laparoscopic ventral hernia repair is increasingly popular, laparoscopic repair of spigelian hernia has not been adequately studied. Eight patients who underwent laparoscopic spigelian hernia repair are presented herein, along with a description of our simple technique for mesh placement. In addition, literature review of laparoscopic repair of spigelian hernia is also presented. Our case series included six females and two males; two patients presented acutely whereas the others presented with chronic pain. Laparoscopic repair was successfully performed in all of our patients with a mean operative time of 92.5 minutes. There were no postoperative complications or recurrence with a mean follow up of 36 months. Our scroll technique for laparoscopic repair is simple and feasible. It minimizes intra-corporeal mesh manipulation, facilitates mesh fixation to the anterior abdominal wall, and maintains a precise orientation of the mesh in relation to the defect.

A laparoscopic approach for incarcerated Spigelian hernia

Incarcerated Spigelian hernia (SH) is an uncommon surgical emergency that demands immediate operative treatment. In the era of minimal access surgery, elective laparoscopic repair of uncomplicated SH is safe and feasible. Herein, we report a case of incarcerated Spigelian hernia that was successfully managed by laparoscopic hernioplasty on an emergent basis.

A case of small spigelian hernias successfully treated by a simple laparoscopy-assisted technique

Clinical diagnosis and location of spigelian hernias is notoriously difficult, and the recommended repair techniques are many and varied. This report describes a case of ipsilateral double spigelian hernias treated by a laparoscopy-assisted technique hitherto undescribed. Suturing of the fascial defect was aided by a 14-gauge angiocatheter that had traversed the full thickness of the abdominal wall firstly on one side of the hernial defect under laparoscopic guidance. A strong suture was threaded down the angiocatheter sheath. Its intra-abdominal end was made to traverse the other side of the defect and resurface upon withdrawal of a snare loop made of a folded suture inserted through the angiocatheter after the latter had been redirected to puncture the opposite edge. The knot was tied extracorporeally. This technique provides the benefits of laparoscopic localization to be combined with the advantages derived from the novel use of an angiocatheter--simplicity, low cost, safety, minimized tissue trauma, and improved cosmesis. It is therefore recommended for selected cases of small spigelian hernias.

Extraperitoneal Laparoscopic Approach to Spigelian Hernia Combined With Groin Hernias

Spigelian hernia is a rare form of abdominal wall hernia. It occurs when peritoneum with or without organs or preperitoneal fat exists through a defect in the Spigelian fascia. A 63 year old male patient complaint of inguinal hernias and Spigelian hernia treated with laparoscopic approach that has been not previously reported in the literature. The use of the laparoscope has simplified the diagnosis, clarified its localization, and facilitated the subsequent repair of these hernias.

Incidence and outcome of surgical repair of spigelian hernia

Background

A spigelian hernia develops through a defect present in a locus minoris resistentiae between abdominal muscles. It is generally considered rare but is probably underdiagnosed. This study was undertaken to characterize the history, presenting features and efficacy of surgical correction of spigelian hernia.

Methods

Medical and surgical charts of 25 patients treated for a spigelian hernia over 22 years were studied retrospectively. Patients were invited for an outpatient interview and physical examination.

Results

Dominant symptoms were an intermittent palpable mass (22 patients) and postural pain (16). A quarter of the patients reported a history of other hernias. Two individuals presented with a painful palpable mass and signs of bowel obstruction necessitating emergency small bowel resection. Hernia repair was performed by primary closure in 20 patients and by use of mesh graft in five. During a mean follow-up of 6·1 years, one early recurrence was observed. Two patients reported mild tenderness in the operated area but were not impaired in daily activities.

Conclusion

Spigelian hernia is commonly encountered and requires surgical treatment because of the risk of strangulation. Operative treatment is simple and effective in the long term.