Spigelian hernia

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
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W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC

Spigelian hernia
Synonyms	Lateral ventral hernia
Pronounce
Specialty	General surgery
Symptoms	Abdominal pain, abdominal mass
Complications	Bowel obstruction, strangulation
Onset
Duration
Types
Causes	Weakness in the Spigelian fascia
Risks	Obesity, chronic cough, pregnancy
Diagnosis	Physical examination, ultrasound, CT scan
Differential diagnosis	Inguinal hernia, femoral hernia, abdominal wall hematoma
Prevention
Treatment	Surgical repair
Medication
Prognosis	Generally good with treatment
Frequency	Rare
Deaths

Spigelian Hernia

Introduction

Spigelian Hernia is a type of Ventral Hernia characterized by the protrusion of aponeurotic fascia through a defect in the abdominal wall at the junction of the linea semilunaris and the arcuate line. This condition results in a bulge in the lower quadrant of the abdomen and is specifically associated with the Spigelian aponeurosis.

Anatomy and Pathophysiology

Spigelian hernias occur through a defect or weakness in the Spigelian fascia, which is located between the rectus abdominis muscle and the semilunar line. The hernia typically appears below the level of the umbilicus where the abdominal wall is thinner and more vulnerable to defects.

Epidemiology

This type of hernia is relatively rare and can occur in both men and women. It is most commonly seen in middle-aged and older adults and may be misdiagnosed due to its unusual location and presentation.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

Symptoms may include pain and a noticeable bulge in the lower abdominal quadrant, which may intensify with straining or physical activity. Diagnosis often requires imaging studies such as ultrasound or CT scans due to the difficulty in clinical diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment typically involves surgical repair, either through traditional open surgery or laparoscopic methods. The choice of procedure depends on the size of the hernia and the patient's overall health.

Complications

If left untreated, Spigelian hernias can lead to complications like incarceration or strangulation of the herniated tissue, necessitating emergency surgery.

Prevention and Lifestyle Modifications

Preventive measures include maintaining a healthy weight, regular exercise, and avoiding heavy lifting or straining that can increase abdominal pressure.

See Also

• Hernia
• Abdominal Wall Hernia
• Laparoscopic Surgery

References

1. [Link to a medical journal article on Spigelian Hernia] 2. [Link to a surgical textbook or guideline discussing hernia repair]

External Links

• WebMD - Spigelian Hernia
• Mayo Clinic - Hernia

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