
Spigelian Hernia Symptoms and Signs
- Localized pain that comes and goes on a repetitive basis.
- Bowel obstruction it’s an obstruction in the intestines, preventing normal transit of products of digestion.
- Nausea and vomiting if there is a presence of bowel obstruction.
- pain in the abdomen that seems unrelated to food, illness, or other common sources.
- sudden changes in bowel function, such as constipation or a change in stool or bleeding.
- abdominal pain when lifting, coughing, or having a bowel movement.
- a soft, unexplained swelling in the abdomen.
How does a Spigelian hernia affect the body?
What is a spigelian hernia?
- Symptoms. Symptoms of a spigelian hernia may include changes in bowel function, abdominal pain when lifting, and pain in the abdomen.
- Causes. Spigelian hernias develop within a weakened area in the abdominal wall muscles. ...
- Diagnosis. Various radiology techniques may be used to diagnose a spigelian hernia. ...
- Treatment. ...
- Outlook. ...
- Conclusion. ...
How to identify a Spigelian hernia?
A spigelian hernia is an uncommon hernia in the abdominal wall. Symptoms may include a bulge appearing below and to the side of the belly button. Patients may feel a certain amount of discomfort which can be made more painful when lifting heavy objects or straining. The surgeon may request an ultrasound scan or CT scan to confirm the diagnosis.
What are the signs and symptoms of a hernia?
Signs and symptoms of a hernia include a bulge in the groin or other location of the hernia. Many hernias are painless, but some may cause pain or a burning sensation. Other associated signs and symptoms can include a feeling of fullness in the affected area, and if the intestine becomes trapped in the hernia sac, nausea and vomiting.
Can a Spigelian hernia be prevented?
Symptoms can vary from mild to severe and appear suddenly or gradually. However, there are ways to help prevent Spigelian hernias, including losing excess body weight, maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding abdominal injury, treating chronic illness, and avoiding or limiting heavy lifting.

How do I know if I have spigelian hernia?
What Does a Spigelian Hernia Feel Like? If you feel a small, soft lump or bulge on your abdominal wall, you may have a spigelian hernia. Typically covered by fat, this lump or bulge is often painless and more noticeable when you are standing. The size itself, though, often increases and decreases on its own.
How serious is a spigelian hernia?
Spigelian hernias are treacherous and have a real risk of strangulation. The risk of strangulation is higher because of sharp fascial margin around the defect. Richter type of hernia has also been reported to occur with spigelian hernia. For this reason, surgery should be advised in all patients.
What aggravates a spigelian hernia?
Another symptom of Spigelian hernia is decrease in bowel function. The intensity of the pain can vary can range from mild to severe. Some patients have an increase in pain or discomfort during certain activities, like exercise, heavy physical workouts, heavy lifting or bowel movements.
How do you fix a spigelian hernia?
Spigelian hernias can be repaired using an open conventional approach, or laparoscopic repair. Despite the increased popularity of the laparoscopic approach the open mesh repair is still the most common method employed. Spigelian hernias typically become symptomatic only once they have become incarcerated.
What type of hernia is most severe?
Strangulated hernias are life threatening and require emergency medical care.
Can a spigelian hernia be seen on a CT scan?
The hernia can be diagnosed by either CT or ultrasound scan, but these can be falsely negative, and unequivocal radiological diagnosis prior to surgery is rare.
Can spigelian hernia be seen on ultrasound?
Ultrasound can provide detailed images of the abdominal wall defect, the hernia sac and its contents, and the relationship of the contents to the Spigelian fascia, as well as the rectus, external oblique, and internal oblique muscles. CT of the abdomen will also confirm the presence of a Spigelian hernia.
What does Spigelian mean?
A Spigelian is the type of ventral hernia where aponeurotic fascia pushes through a hole in the junction of the linea semilunaris and the arcuate line creating a bulge. It appears in the abdomen lower quadrant between an area of dense fibrous tissue and abdominal wall muscles causing a (Spigelian aponeurosis).
Can a hernia change bowel movements?
Constipation or difficulty having a bowel movement Any blockage in the large intestine caused by a hernia can cause constipation or difficulty in having a bowel movement as it interferes with digestion. It will also be difficult to pass gas, making you even more uncomfortable.
Where is a spigelian hernia located?
Spigelian hernias are primary ventral hernias secondary to a defect in the Spigelian aponeurosis (fascia) that is comprised of the transversus abdominis and internal oblique aponeuroses. The borders of the Spigelian aponeurosis are the rectus muscle medially and the linea semilunaris laterally (figure 2).
How long is spigelian hernia surgery?
These complications are rare with spigelian hernias. The operation takes around 30 minutes to perform. Local anaesthetic is usually injected into the wounds at the end of the procedure. The wound is usually closed with a dissolvable suture or wound glue.
How much weight can you lift with a hernia?
Do NOT lift anything heavier than 15 pounds for a minimum of two weeks (or as instructed by your surgeon). Do NOT engage in strenuous activity or heavy lifting for at least four to six weeks (or advised by your surgeon).
How long is spigelian hernia surgery?
These complications are rare with spigelian hernias. The operation takes around 30 minutes to perform. Local anaesthetic is usually injected into the wounds at the end of the procedure. The wound is usually closed with a dissolvable suture or wound glue.
Can you live with a hernia without surgery?
Many people are able to delay surgery for months or even years. And some people may never need surgery for a small hernia. If the hernia is small and you don't have any symptoms, or if the symptoms don't bother you much, you and your doctor may simply continue to watch for symptoms to occur.
What does Spigelian mean?
A Spigelian is the type of ventral hernia where aponeurotic fascia pushes through a hole in the junction of the linea semilunaris and the arcuate line creating a bulge. It appears in the abdomen lower quadrant between an area of dense fibrous tissue and abdominal wall muscles causing a (Spigelian aponeurosis).
Where is the spigelian hernia located?
Spigelian hernias are primary ventral hernias secondary to a defect in the Spigelian aponeurosis (fascia) that is comprised of the transversus abdominis and internal oblique aponeuroses. The borders of the Spigelian aponeurosis are the rectus muscle medially and the linea semilunaris laterally (figure 2).
What is Spigelian Hernia?
Spigelian Hernia is known as a hernia that forms through the Spigelian aponeurosis. It is a layer of the abdominal muscles which lies between the lateral edge of the rectus muscle and linea semilunaris. As I mentioned above it is considered a rare type of hernia which occurs in both men and women alike. And often it develops in life when the abdominal muscles are not strong and becoming weak. Sometimes this type of hernia is also sometimes referred to as a “lateral ventral hernia.” Also, it is considered as the rare type of hernia which occurs in both men and women alike.
When To Visit Doctor?
Spigelian hernia is a serious health condition, so immediate medical assistance is needed. It is even difficult to detect the Spigelian hernia and that makes it even more difficult to treat it at the appropriate time.
How to repair a transabdominal hernia?
Transabdominal Preperitoneal Repair: First, the substance of the hernia sac is decreased, and the peritoneal fold is raised to lessen the hernia sac totally. Around the hernia defect, the peritoneal sac is dissected 5 cm. Also, a mesh is placed in the extraperitoneal space and it is fixed using tacks or sutures.
Why is a hernia removed?
This hernia needs to be surgically removed because Spigelian hernia can cause some complications such as strangulation of other organs, obstruction of bowel movement, and blood supply. With the help of medical treatment, the Spigelian hernia can be recovered.
What type of surgery is used for a hernia?
Also, there are two types of surgery is proposed for hernia, they are: Open Hernia Surgery. Laparoscopic Hernia Repair. Various Surgical approaches to Spigelian Hernia, as follows: Endoscopic approaches: This surgical approach is mainly obtained by using a Veress needle to identify the site affected.
How to perform total extraperitoneal repair?
Total Extraperitoneal Repair: To perform the endoscopic total extraperitoneal repair, the three midline ports are used. Extraperitoneal space is made by utilizing an inflatable and making open access. A hernia is identified and removed completely. To make sure mesh overlaps, the peritoneum is dissected over the arcuate line keeping up a 5 cm edge from the deformity. The meshes are then fixed to the anterior abdominal wall using spiral tacks.
What is a hernia in men called?
Sometimes this type of hernia is also sometimes referred to as a “lateral ventral hernia. ”. Also, it is considered as the rare type of hernia which occurs in both men and women alike.
How long does it take to recover from a spigelian hernia surgery?
The recovery period for laparoscopic spigelian hernia surgery tends to be relatively short, lasting just 1 to 2 weeks. People who have more extensive surgery often have a longer recovery period.
What are the risk factors for a spigelian hernia?
Risk factors for a spigelian hernia include: a chronic cough, such as with the lung condition COPD. frequently straining to have a bowel movement. trauma to the abdomen, such as during surgery or due to a major injury.
What does it mean when your abdomen hurts?
abdominal pain when lifting, coughing, or having a bowel movement. a soft, unexplained swelling in the abdomen. Most people do not feel a swelling, and there does not need to be a noticeable swelling for there to be a spigelian hernia.
How to diagnose a spigelian hernia?
Diagnosing a spigelian hernia can be difficult, so it is important to report symptoms to your doctor. An ultrasound or CT scan of the abdomen can help with a diagnosis.
What is a spigelian hernia?
Outlook. Conclusion. A spigelian hernia is a hernia through the spigelian fascia or layer of tissue that separates two groups of abdominal muscles. The muscles are called the rectus muscles and the lateral obliques. This type of hernia is also sometimes called a lateral ventral hernia.
Why do my spigelian hernias not swell?
Because of their location between muscle layers, spigelian hernias tend not to cause noticeable swelling. Very thin people with visible abdominal muscles may notice some swelling, however.
How do you repair a hernia?
With the assistance of the camera, doctors locate the hernia then use a mesh patch or stitches to repair the weakened abdominal wall.
What is the hernia that forms through the Spigelian aponeurosis?
Spigelian hernia is the hernia that forms through the Spigelian aponeurosis. Spigelian aponeurosis is that layer of the abdominal muscles which lies between the lateral edge of the rectus muscle and linea semilunaris.
What is the symptom of a Spigelian hernia?
Another symptom of Spigelian hernia is decrease in bowel function.
What is the procedure called when a hernia is repaired?
If the patient chooses to undergo surgery, the doctor can perform a minimally invasive procedure called “ laparoscopic hernia repair ”. The doctor makes a small incision in the patient’s abdomen and repairs the hernia using a thin surgical instrument with a camera on its end.
How to tell if you have a hernia?
The most common symptoms of Spigelian hernia is a lump or bulge ( which may feel soft to the touch) just below the belly button or to the side of it. The lump may feel soft to the touch.
Why do my abdominal muscles weaken?
The weakened abdominal walls allow the protruding of organs and tissues. There is no specific cause for the weakness of the muscles of the abdominal wall. There are many different factors that contribute to a hernia. Some patients have abdominal weakening after an injury while lifting a heavy object.
What is the best way to repair a hernia?
Laparoscopic surgery is the best and a pain-less surgical option to repair this hernia and avoid serious, life-threatening risks or complications.
Can a hernia be diagnosed on its own?
A Spigelian hernia does not resolve or cure on its own. Treatment is required. Doctors can diagnose an ordinary hernia with a physical examination. But it is more challenging to diagnose Spigelian hernia. The reason is that Spigelian hernia does not have any similar physical symptoms or characteristics like ordinary hernias.
What causes a hernia in the abdomen?
Causes. The immediate cause of all hernias is a weakness or hole in the wall or tissue that holds the organ in place. Spigelian hernia is no different. It is caused by a weakness in the abdominal wall which leads to a protrusion of the abdominal organs into the abdominal muscles. The weakness in the wall is caused by various factors as explained ...
What is a hernia in the spigelian fascia?
What is Spigelian Hernia? A hernia is a condition whereby an organ pushes out of the tissue or muscle holding it in place through a weakness on the wall. Spigelian hernia (also called lateral ventral hernia) is a type of hernia that occurs in the spigelian fascia, which is a tissue that separates two abdominal muscles;
Why is a spigelian hernia different from other hernias?
This is because the abdominal muscles are usually have enough strength and able to hold abdominal organs in place. Location of Spigelian hernia. Spigelian hernia is different from all other hernias. While other hernias develop below the subcutaneous fat layers, it is found between muscles of the abdomen.
What type of surgery is used for a spigelian hernia?
There are two types of surgeries for spigelian hernia: laparoscopic surgery and open surgery. Laparoscopic surgery involves making a small incision and using a small tube and camera to view and guide the doctor to the affected part. The doctor then repairs the damaged part using surgical mesh.
Why do my abdominal walls get weak?
The weakness in the wall is caused by various factors as explained below: Chronic coughing, vomiting, and sneezing – These cause continuous and repetitive contractions of most body muscles. This strain on the abdominal walls can weaken them, leading to spigelian hernia.
Where does a hernia develop?
Spigelian hernia develops between the middle and lower abdomen (on the lateral edge), through a layer of tissue called spigelian fascia which separates the two parts of the abdomen. The middle abdomen is medically referred to as rectus abdominis while the lower part is called semilunar line. Diagrammatic representation of different types ...
What is open surgery?
Open surgery involves making a larger incision on the abdomen. The doctor is able to directly view and treat the hernia as deemed necessary.
How to tell if a hernia is small?
Besides having no swelling, this kind of hernia is normally very tiny, adding to the difficulty in identifying. The common indicators of this type of hernia are intermittent mass as well as abdominal discomfort. The only sign that make them a bit obvious is pain, only noticeable sign in the actual location. Pain comes and goes on a repeated basis. In terms of size, it is small, and the external soft tissue mass or lump may be felt by the individual, who has little fat in the area that is affecting the abdomen. In addition to pain, which is the only obvious symptom, Irregular or decrease bowel and this tends to remain for more than only one day, can also be a symptom in some patients.
How does a Spigelian hernia develop?
As mentioned above, this type of hernia develop through a weakness between the muscle fibres of the abdominal wall. This protrusion may contain a section of the intestines but in other cases it takes the form of an empty sac. it often develop on the right hand side of the abdomen. Du e to its location, no obvious swelling or lump is there which can make it almost impossible to detect. As a consequent, many people with this type of hernia do not even realize that they actually developed a hernia which means that it may remains undetected for a long period of time.
What is a Spigelian hernia?
Spigelian hernia is considered rare type of hernia which occurs in both men and women alike. It often develops later on in life when the abdominal muscles are not strong and becoming weak. Beside this, they may occur from the same causes of other types of hernias which include any sport that involve excessive twisting or turning, Chronic coughing e.g. from smoking as well as overweight. They are normally located in between the layers of muscles in the wall of the abdomen and easily can be overlooked due to obesity in this area.
Why do my hernias begin on either side of my rectus?
There are several different types of hernia. Spigelian hernias often begin around the tissue line which is located on either side of the Rectus Abdominis. One among many other reasons of such kind of hernia is weakening of the abdominal wall. Such kind of weakness occur especially later in life. Other causes can include injury or because of prolonged periods of physical stress.
Where are hernias located?
The major issue that is generally associated with hernia is their location to develop. Almost all types of hernia are located subcutaneously beneath the fat layers. Although their identification is also difficult but swelling can show that here is something abnormal. But in case of spigelian hernia, it is more complex, because it is found inside the muscles of the walls of the abdomen. Since it is a hernia that is sub-muscular, there is not any external swelling sign or bump with this type of hernia.
How long does it take to recover from a laparoscopic surgery?
Patient’s recovery time is relatively short , usually two weeks. The laparoscopic method is usually favored in order to minimize any chances of infection as well as reduce the stay in the hospital. A post-surgery follow-up exam with the attending surgeon is common in order to avoid any complications.
Can coughing cause a hernia?
Chronic coughing can also cause Spigelian hernia.
What is Spigelian Hernia?
Spigelian hernia also referred as lateral ventral hernia is a type of hernia that originates from spigelian fascia. This point is basically a junction between rectus abdominis and smilunar line. Spigelian hernia does protrude downward like other types of hernia rather than this it penetrates between muscles of abdominal wall. Due to this reason it does not cause swelling or protrusion that is visible through outside the body making the diagnosis more difficult. Spigelian hernia is not so common as compared to other hernia.
How to tell if a spigelian hernia is normal?
However, some commonly observed symptoms of spigelian hernia are discussed below. Pain in abdominal wall muscles. Strangulation. Feeling of pressure near spigelian fascia. Bloating.
Why does my spigelian fascia hurt?
Pain in the region of spigelian fascia due to strangulation is one of the major sign that points out diagnosis towards spigelian hernia. Spigelian hernia is different from other hernia so pain radiates due to penetration between abdominal muscles.
Why do some people have hernias?
Some patients are genetically predisposed to hernia due to defects in abdominal wall at some point. Such kind of patients may have hernia at any stage of their life due to increase risk of abdominal wall rupture. Genetic predisposition is one the major cause of hernia in both men and women.
What causes a high pressure on the abdominal wall?
Any problem that increases pressure on abdominal wall like in case of obesity, weight lifting, excessive accumulation of air in the abdominal, excessive coughing or frequent vomiting.
Can a Spigelian hernia be repaired?
As mentioned above, these hernia have high risk of strangulation, so surgery is only option left to repair these hernia. There are two types of surgeries that can be performed to repair spigelian hernia laparoscopic surgery and general surgery.
Does obesity cause spigelian hernia?
Obesity is most commonly associated with spigelian hernia. Reason is same as mentioned above that obesity causes persistent pressure on abdominal wall that may lead to rupture of abdominal wall muscles.

What Is A Spigelian Hernia?
Causes and Risk Factors
- Just similar to the other types of hernias, Spigelian hernias are caused due to weakness in the muscles of the abdominal wall. The weakened abdominal walls allow the protruding of organs and tissues. There is no specific cause for the weakness of the muscles of the abdominal wall. There are many different factors that contribute to a hernia. Some p...
Diagnosis
- Consult a doctor if you find any symptoms of a hernia. If there is no pain or discomfort, the patient can continue to live with the hernia. But if the hernia causes pain, medical attention is urgently suggested. A Spigelian hernia does not resolve or cure on its own. Treatment is required. Doctors can diagnose an ordinary hernia with a physical examination. But it is more challenging to diagn…
Get The Best Treatment For Spigelian Hernia
- The Spigelian hernia can be very painful. This hernia can also grow in size. But the treatment is positive with proper diagnosis and treatment. Laparoscopic surgery is the best and a pain-less surgical option to repair this hernia and avoid serious, life-threatening risks or complications. 1. Role of Laparoscopy to Treat Hernia Effectively 2. What to expect under Hernia Surgery?