The open mesh repair of Spigelian hernia

BACKGROUND: Spigelian hernias are rare defects of the abdominal wall usually appearing between the abdominal muscles, lateral to the rectus abdominis and through a debilitated Spigelian aponeurosis. Recently, mesh repair has been introduced for the treatment of these types of hernias and different approaches have been proposed. METHODS: Nine patients with Spigelian hernia were prospectively treated by placing a mesh prosthesis between the external oblique and the internal oblique muscles, based on principles of mesh repair established by the Lichtenstein group. RESULTS: Five women and 4 men, mean age 75.7 years, were operated on. In 1 patient the Spigelian hernia was an incidental finding during an inguinal hernia repair. Two patients were operated on an emergency basis. Elective operations were undertaken in ambulatory facilities in 3. Two patients had postoperative ecchymosis with no associated morbidity. No recurrences have been observed during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Open mesh repair of Spigelian hernias placing the mesh between the external and internal oblique muscles is a simple and safe approach that can prevent morbidity related to other techniques.