Inferior lumbar triangle hernia as a rarely reported cause of low back pain: a report of 4 cases

Primary Lumbar Hernia, Review and Proposals for a Standardized Treatment

A lumbar abdominal wall hernia is a protrusion of intraperitoneal or extraperitoneal contents through a weakness in the posterior abdominal wall, usually through the superior or inferior lumbar triangle. Due to its rare occurrence, adequate knowledge of anatomy and methods for optimal diagnosis and treatment might be lacking with many surgeons. We believe a clear understanding of anatomy, a narrative review of the literature and a pragmatic proposal for a step-by-step approach for treatment will be helpful for physicians and surgeons confronted with this condition. We describe the anatomy of this condition and discuss the scarce literature on this topic concerning optimal diagnosis and treatment. Thereafter, we propose a step-by-step approach for a surgical technique supported by intraoperative images to treat this condition safely and prevent potential pitfalls. We believe this approach offers a technically easy way to perform effective reinforcement of the lumbar abdominal wall, offering a low recurrence rate and preventing important complications. After meticulously reading this manuscript and carefully following the suggested approach, any surgeon that is reasonably proficient in minimally invasive abdominal wall surgery (though likely not in lumbar hernia surgery), should be able to treat this condition safely and effectively. This manuscript cannot replace adequate training by an expert surgeon. However, we believe this condition occurs so infrequently that there is likely to be a lack of real experts. This manuscript could help guide the surgeon in understanding anatomy and performing better and safer surgery.

The role of ultrasound in the diagnosis of Grynfeltt-Lesshaft lumbar hernia: A case report

Grynfeltt-Lesshaft hernia is a type of lumbar hernia located in the superior lumbar triangle. Lumbar hernias are rare hernias. Clinical diagnosis of lumbar hernias can be a challenging especially in obese or asymptomatic patients. Lumbar hernias have been frequently misdiagnosed and lead to serious complications. Surgery (open or laparoscopic) is recommended to correct the defect and to avoid the exacerbation of the hernia and associated complications. The majority of the reported cases in the past were diagnosed on a CT scan. This study presents a case of successful detection of a Grynfeltt-Lesshaft hernia by US scan then confirmed by a subsequent CT scan. The aim of this case report was to Increase knowledge of lumbar hernias and to demonstrate the role of US in the diagnosis of lumbar hernias.

Bilateral Lumbar Hernias Following Spine Surgery: A Case Report and Laparoscopic Transabdominal Repair

Lumbar hernias are rare abdominal wall defects. Fewer than 400 cases have been reported in the literature and account for 2% of all abdominal wall hernias. Lumbar hernias are divided into Grynfelt-Lesshaft or Petit hernias. The former are hernia defects through the superior lumbar triangle, while the latter are defects of the inferior lumbar triangle. Primary lumbar hernias are further subdivided into congenital or acquired hernias and can further be classified as either primary or secondary. Secondary hernias occur after previous flank surgeries, iatrogenic muscular disruption, infection, or trauma. We review a rare presentation of metachronous symptomatic bilateral secondary acquired lumbar hernia following spine surgery. A successful laparoscopic transabdominal lumbar hernia repair with extraperitoneal mesh placement was performed, with resolution of the hernia symptoms. An extensive literature review regarding lumbar hernia and different types of repairs was performed.

Recurrent retroperitoneal abscess after biliary tract surgery in an elderly patient: a minimally invasive nonsurgical approach and its consequences: a case report

Introduction

Hepatic abscess can be defined as an encapsulated collection of suppurative material within the liver parenchyma. Hepatic abscess can be distinguished as pyogenic, amebic, or fungal. Biliary tract disease remains the most common cause of hepatic abscess today, and the most common complications range from pleural effusion, empyema, and bronchohepatic fistula to subphrenic abscess and rupture into the peritoneal cavity, stomach, colon, vena cava, or kidney. A large abscess compressing the inferior vena cava and the hepatic veins may result in Budd-Chiari syndrome. In this report, we present a rare case of hepatic abscess with an unusual evolution that was treated with a noninvasive approach.

Case presentation

A 79-year-old Caucasian woman underwent endoscopic bile stone extraction and laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Six months later, a hepatic abscess in association with bilateral effusion was diagnosed. The prompt imaging-guided drainage solved the case. Three years later, she came to our attention complaining of dull, diffuse abdominal pain and high body temperature (38 °C). A retroperitoneal abscess was diagnosed that was spreading to the right lateral wall of the abdomen and extending across the muscular wall to the subcutaneous layer. The fluid collection also involved the right pleural cavity, forming an empyema. Also in this case, an imaging-guided drainage was performed, and the patient’s clinical picture resolved in a few days. The retroperitoneal abscess recurred 14 months later, and it was dealt with using the same treatment. Three months from the last follow-up, the patient came back to our attention with an evident swelling of her right lumbar region. Computed tomography revealed a right inferior lumbar hernia comprising adipose tissue and the right kidney. A surgical intervention was recommended to the patient, but, owing to her poor general health, she refused any invasive approach.

Conclusions

Retroperitoneal abscess is an uncommon complication of biliary tract surgery and represents a potential cause of death, especially in those patients with multiple diseases. Prompt drainage is crucial to the treatment. Failure in eliminating the primary infective focus could bring complications and, in general, a weakness of lumbar muscular wall, even resulting in a rare case of lumbar hernia.

A primary inferior lumbar hernia misdiagnosed as a lipoma

Lumbar hernias can be superior (Grynfelt) and inferior (Petit). Inferior lumbar hernias are extremely rare and, therefore, are associated with diagnostic difficulty. We present a case of a primary spontaneous inferior lumbar hernia in a 79-year-old woman that was initially diagnosed as a large lipoma on ultrasound. The first operation was abandoned and an open mesh repair was conducted. Lumbar hernias can be primary acquired (55%), secondary acquired (25%) or congenital (20%). Cross-sectional imaging by CT or MRI appears to be the gold standard in diagnosis as ultrasound may lead to misdiagnosis. Strangulation, incarceration and obstruction are recognised complications, requiring prompt surgical intervention. There are currently no guidelines for surgical managements, although laparoscopic surgery may give the best results. In view of the scarcity of published cases, we aim to add to the literature to raise the index of suspicion and to promote prompt surgical management of lumbar hernias.

Pitfalls and clinical recommendations for the primary lumbar hernia based on a systematic review of the literature

Purpose

The lumbar abdominal wall hernia is a rare hernia in which abdominal contents protrude through a defect in the dorsal abdominal wall, which can be of iatrogenic, congenital, or traumatic origin. Two anatomical locations are known: the superior and the inferior lumbar triangle. The aim of this systematic review is to provide a clear overview of the existing literature and make practical clinical recommendations for proper diagnosis and treatment of the primary lumbar hernia.

Methods

The systematic review was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines. A systematic search in PubMed, MEDLINE, and EMBASE was performed, and all studies reporting on primary lumbar hernias were included. No exclusion based on study design was performed. Data regarding incarceration, recurrence, complications, and surgical management were extracted.

Results

Out of 670 eligible articles, 14 were included and additional single case reports were analysed separately. The average quality of the included articles was 4.7 on the MINORS index (0–16). Risk factors are related to increased intra-abdominal pressure. CT scanning should be performed during pre-operative workup. Available evidence favours laparoscopic mesh reinforcement, saving open repair for larger defects. Incarceration was observed in 30.8% of the cases and 2.0% had a recurrence after surgical repair. Hematomas and seromas are common complications, but surgical site infections are relatively rare.

Conclusion

The high risks of incarceration in lumbar hernias demand a relatively fast elective repair. The use of a mesh is recommended, but the surgical approach should be tailored to individual patient characteristics and risk factors.

Surgical approach towards Grynfelt hernia: A single center experience

Due to the rarity of Grynfelt hernia, there is no standardized surgical technique.From April 2010 to September 2017, 12 cases of primary superior lumbar hernia (Grynfelt hernia) were identified through medical records reviewing and included in our study. Perioperative data, surgical outcomes, and long-term follow-up results were retrospectively analysed.Male/female ratio of patients was 1:1, with age 69.5 (62, 74.5) [median (25 percentile, 75 percentile)] years old. Right/left side ratio of lumbar hernia was 9/3. The in-hospital duration was 7 (5, 8) days. The surgical duration was 35 (30, 50) minutes. The defect size was 2.1 (1.5, 3) cm in diameter. The discharge of the patient was on 3 (2, 4) post-operative day (POD). The meshes used were: MK5816 (10), MK5810 (1), and UHS (1). There was only 1 case of postoperative complication where the patient was admitted in intensive care unit (ICU) due to hypoxemia. Morbidity, mortality, and recurrence cases were null.Our study indicates that open surgery with mesh implantation is a reliable way for the management of primary superior lumbar hernia.

[Scannographic investigation in the diagnosis of inguinoscrotal bladder hernia]

We report the case of a patient aged 67 with a history of inguinal hernia, which featured a large painless purse evolving for several months associated with urinary disorders like urinary frequency. Ultrasound allowed highlight an emptiness of bladder lodge, urinary stasis and fluid collection in the scrotum that was mentioned a hydrocele. The abdominal pelvic CT revealed a bladder intra scrotal right situation associated with an inguinal hernia and direct left to bilateral urinary stasis. The diagnosis was confirmed by surgical exploration. The postoperative course was uneventful. The inguinoscrotal hernia exclusively bladder content is an exceptional entity. CT should be sought before any inguinoscrotal hernia associated with urinary disorders ( Mery 's Sign ).

Strangulated lumber hernias in adults: A case report and review of the literature

Strangulated lumbar hernia is a very rare condition, with no more than 30 cases reported in the literature so far. Therefore, there is no specific management guideline and the diagnosis remains difficult. By reporting the case of a Senegalese male patient who had a preoperative diagnosis of strangulated lumbar hernia, we aim to discuss the diagnosis and therapeutic modalities of this rare entity, which is often misdiagnosed.

Rare Presentation of Pseudomyxoma Retroperitonei: Stretching the Limits

A 55-year-old woman presented with a mucopurulent sinusal discharge from the right supragluteal region, with symptoms over the previous five months. This abscess began as a slowly swelling growth, which eventually turned into a discharging sinus, and she was diagnosed with a gluteal abscess. The patient underwent incisional drainage, and intra-operatively, the sinus tract could be seen extending to the retroperitoneum. A subsequent CT scan and an MRI of the abdomen revealed a large heterogeneous retroperitoneal cystic mass on the right side of midline, extending inferiorly into the anterior thigh along the iliopsoas. Superiorly, a tubular projection extended from the lesion, indenting the ileocaecal junction, while a fluid filled cutaneous fistulous tract was seen, extending to the right flank. A diagnosis of pseudomyxoma retroperitonei, likely of retrocaecal appendicular origin, was proposed. An explorative laparotomy with an appendectomy, and the evacuation of the retroperitoneal collection were completed. The subsequent histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of appendicular mucinous cystadenoma, with pseudomyxoma retroperitonei.

The triangles of Grynfeltt and Petit and the lumbar tunnel: an anatomo-radiologic study

PURPOSE

Lumbar hernias are protrusions of intra-abdominal contents classically through the superior (Grynfeltt) and inferior (Petit) lumbar triangles. The anatomy of the triangles is variable and quantitative data are few. No radiological data on the anatomy of the triangles are available.

METHODS

Fifty computed tomography angiography of the upper abdomen (M25, F25, mean age 72.5-year-old) were analyzed. The dimensions and the contents of the lumbar triangles were analyzed. The characteristics of the space between the two triangles were also documented.

RESULTS

The superior lumbar triangle showed a mean surface area of 5.10 ± 2.6 cm². In the area of the triangle, the 12th intercostal pedicle and the 1st lumbar branches of the iliolumbar vessels were found in 42 and 46 %, respectively. The inferior lumbar triangle had a mean surface of area 18.7 ± 8.4 cm². In this area, the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th lumbar branches were found in 9, 67, and 8 %, respectively. On oblique coronal images, a direct tunnel between the superior and the inferior lumbar triangles was found, showing an oblique course, with a postero-anterior direction (mean length 36.5 ± 5.8 mm, mean caliber 7.4 ± 3.1 mm).

CONCLUSIONS

Among the anatomical factors of weakening of the abdominal wall, the course of branches of the lumbar vessels was documented not only in the superior but also in the inferior lumbar triangle. A real musculoaponeurotic tunnel between the superior and the inferior lumbar triangles located in the oblique coronal plane was found, that could play a role in the development of incarceration or strangulation of lumbar hernias.

The etiologies of low back pain in patients with lumbar disk herniation

BACKGROUND

Low back pain (LBP) is a common complaint in population that lowers the quality of life. The main etiology of LBP is recognized in about 20% of patients while it is attributed to lumbar disk herniation (LDH) in 80% of cases and causes some unnecessary lumbar surgeries without realizing the definite cause.

OBJECTIVES

This study was planned to evaluate the etiologies of LBP in patients who had LDH to clarify whether the disc herniation is the main cause of patients` pain or other diseases were responsible for this kind of pain.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, we analyzed the medical profiles of the patients with proven LDH in a private clinic in Mashhad City, Iran, between 2005 and 2012, for demographic and the etiologies of LBP with clinical and paraclinical studies. We also calculated the incidence of each etiology by SPSS 13.

RESULTS

In our study, among 1250 patients with proven LDH by MRI, 500 patients (40%) had chronic LBP and the most common causes of LBP were heavy constant working (40.2%), osteoporosis (35.6%), and sacroiliac joint pain (34.6%), consecutively. Interestingly, LDH had the ninth rank among the common cause of LBP.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, we found that in spite of previous beliefs, discopathies were not common etiologies of LBP. Thus, even in patients with proven LDH by imaging studies, the physician should perform a thorough evaluation for other causes of LBP to avoid unnecessary lumbar surgeries.

Management of giant inferior triangle lumbar hernia (Petit's triangle hernia): A rare complication following delayed breast reconstruction with extended latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap

INTRODUCTION

Lumbar triangle hernia after breast reconstruction with latissimus dorsi flap (LDMF) is a very rare complication and few cases were previously described. Muscle mobilization and iatrogenic fascia defect are related etiologic factors.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

The authors describe a rare case of lumbar hernia in a 58-year-old woman who underwent delayed left breast reconstruction with LDMF. Two months after surgery, a progressive symptomatic lower left lumbar bulge was observed. The CT scan confirmed the diagnosis and delineated an 18 cm lumbar defect filled with lower and large bowel. At operation, the defect was exposed and the hernia sac reduced. In order to obtain stability, the remained local muscle and fascia flaps were mobilized into the defect. Additional strength was achieved with a two-layer closure of prosthetic mesh (intra/extra peritoneal). The patient is currently in the 10th postoperative year of hernia repair and satisfactory lumbar wall contour was achieved. Neither the recurrence of lumbar hernia nor symptoms compliance was noted.

DISCUSSION

Lumbar hernia is an uncommon complication of LDMF harvest. Although it is a rare disease, general and plastic surgeons must be on alert to avoid complications and misdiagnosis. Seroma differential diagnosis is important in order to avoid bowel perforation due to aspiration. Defect reconstruction is necessary with a muscular and fascia flaps mobilization and synthetic mesh in order to obtain a stable repair.

CONCLUSION

The knowledge of this rare post-operative complication following delayed breast reconstruction is crucial to its surgical management. Early surgical intervention is warranted in order to avoid severe complications.

Lumbar hernia: a diagnostic dilemma

Lumbar hernia is one of the rare cases that most surgeons are not exposed to. Hence the diagnosis can be easily missed. This leads to delay in the treatment causing increased morbidity. We report a case of lumbar hernia in a middle-aged woman. It was misdiagnosed as lipoma by another surgeon. It was a case of primary acquired lumbar hernia in the superior lumbar triangle. Clinical and MRI findings were correlated to reach the diagnosis. We also highlight the types, the process of diagnosis and the surgical repair of lumbar hernias. We wish to alert our fellow surgeons to keep the differential diagnosis of the lumbar hernia in mind before diagnosing any lumbar swelling as lipoma.

Traumatic lumbar hernia: can't afford to miss

We describe the radiological and surgical correlation of an uncommon case of a traumatic lumbar hernia in a 22-year-old man presenting to the emergency department following a motor vehicle accident. Computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen revealed a right-sided traumatic inferior lumbar hernia containing a small amount of fat through the posterior lateral internal oblique muscle with hematoma in the subcutaneous fat and adjacent abdominal wall musculature, which was repaired surgically via primary closure on emergent basis. The purpose of this article is to emphasize the importance of diagnosing traumatic lumbar hernia on CT and need for urgent repair to avoid potential complications of bowel incarceration and strangulation.

Laparoscopic repair of a lumbar hernia: report of a case and extensive review of the literature

Lumbar hernias are a protrusion of intra-abdominal contents through a weakness or rupture in the posterior abdominal wall. They are considered to be a rare entity with approximately 300 cases reported in the literature since it was first described by Barbette in 1672. Petit described the inferior lumbar triangle in 1783 and Grynfeltt described the superior lumbar triangle in 1866; both are anatomical boundaries where 95% of lumbar hernias occur, whereas the other 5% are considered to be diffuse. Twenty percent of lumbar hernias are congenital and the other 80% are acquired; the acquired lumbar hernias can be further classified into either primary (spontaneous) or secondary. The typical presentation of lumbar hernias is a patient with a protruding semispherical bulge in the back with a slow growth. However, they may present with an incarcerated or strangulated bowel, so it is recommended that all lumbar hernias must be repaired as soon as they are diagnosed. The "gold standard" for diagnosing a lumbar hernia is a CT scan, because it is able to delineate muscular and fascial layers, detect a defect in one or more of these layers, evaluate the presence of herniated contents, differentiate muscle atrophy from a real hernia, and serve as a useful tool in the differential diagnosis, such as tumors. Recent studies have demonstrated the advantages of a laparoscopic repair instead of the classic open approach as the ideal treatment option for lumbar hernias. We report a case of a spontaneous lumbar hernia initially diagnosed as a lipoma and corrected with the open approach, but after relapsing 2 years later it was corrected using a laparoscopic approach. It is followed by an extensive review of lumbar hernias literature regarding history, anatomy, and surgical techniques.

Bleichner's hernia - lumbar hernia

BACKGROUND

We present a case of a lumbar hernia and a review of the literature of this rare hernia type.

CASE REPORT

The case and the review will discuss the unusual presentations reported, common etiologies, the importance of early operative repair based on the high rate of incarceration and the recent recommendations regarding repair techniques.

CONCLUSIONS

Lumbar hernias are rare cases, but should be pursued in diagnosis and treated aggressively because of the high rate of incarceration. Repair can be accomplished with a minimally invasive technique.

A description of the lumbar interfascial triangle and its relation with the lateral raphe: anatomical constituents of load transfer through the lateral margin of the thoracolumbar fascia

Movement and stability of the lumbosacral region is contingent on the balance of forces distributed through the myofascial planes associated with the thoracolumbar fascia (TLF). This structure is located at the common intersection of several extremity muscles (e.g. latissimus dorsi and gluteus maximus), as well as hypaxial (e.g. ventral trunk muscles) and epaxial (paraspinal) muscles. The mechanical properties of the fascial constituents establish the parameters guiding the dynamic interaction of muscle groups that stabilize the lumbosacral spine. Understanding the construction of this complex myofascial junction is fundamental to biomechanical analysis and implementation of effective rehabilitation in individuals with low back and pelvic girdle pain. Therefore, the main objectives of this study were to describe the anatomy of the lateral margin of the TLF, and specifically the interface between the fascial sheath surrounding the paraspinal muscles and the aponeurosis of the transversus abdominis (TA) and internal oblique (IO) muscles. The lateral margin of the TLF was exposed via serial reduction dissections from anterior and posterior approaches. Axial sections (cadaveric and magnetic resonance imaging) were examined to characterize the region between the TA and IO aponeurosis and the paraspinal muscles. It is confirmed that the paraspinal muscles are enveloped by a continuous paraspinal retinacular sheath (PRS), formed by the deep lamina of the posterior layer of the TLF. The PRS extends from the spinous process to transverse process, and is distinct from both the superficial lamina of the posterior layer and middle layer of the TLF. As the aponeurosis approaches the lateral border of the PRS, it appears to separate into two distinct laminae, which join the anterior and posterior walls of the PRS. This configuration creates a previously undescribed fat-filled lumbar interfascial triangle situated along the lateral border of the paraspinal muscles from the 12th rib to the iliac crest. This triangle results in the unification of different fascial sheaths along the lateral border of the TLF, creating a ridged-union of dense connective tissue that has been termed the lateral raphe (Spine, 9,1984, 163). This triangle may function in the distribution of laterally mediated tension to balance different viscoelastic moduli, along either the middle or posterior layers of the TLF.