Spigelian Hernia

Spigelian hernia is an uncommon abdominal wall hernia where the tissue protrusion occurs through the ‘Spigelian fascia’ located alongside the abdominal muscles in the mid abdomen. This is a unique hernia as it may not present as a bulge due to an overlying layer of muscle.

Because these hernias can be difficult to detect on examination, abdominal imaging such as CT or ultrasound is a useful tool in diagnosis.

Spigelian hernias carry a risk of incarceration therefore repair is often recommended. Operative visualisation and repair is routinely completed laparoscopically (keyhole).