title: Spigelian hernia: uncommon or unrecognized?
abstract: Spigelian hernia may be a more common clinical entity than previously recognized or reported. We report seven cases, four diagnosed and treated in the past 12 months at a large military hospital. Diagnosis can be difficult because of failure to consider it, incomplete understanding of the anatomy, and the nonpalpable intraparietal nature of the hernia. A careful history and physical examination are essential. Any patient with persistent localized pain in the proper anatomic location--just lateral to the outer border of the rectus muscle and usually below the umbilicus--warrants surgical exploration.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006555:Hernia, Ventral / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000150:complications; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000601:surgery; D012306:Risk; D013514:Surgical Procedures, Operative / Q000009:adverse effects