title: Endometriosis in a spigelian hernia sac: an unexpected finding.
abstract: Describes the existence of endometrioma in a spigelian hernia sac. Spigelian Hernia is a rare ventral hernia, presenting difficulties in diagnosis and carrying a high incarceration and obstruction risk. Endometriomas occur due to implantation of endometrial cells into a surgical wound, most often after a cesarean delivery. A 37-year-old woman presented to our department with persistent abdominal pain, exacerbating during menses, and vomiting for 2 days. Physical examination revealed a mass-like lesion in the border between the left-upper and left-lower quadrant. Ultrasound examination was inconclusive and a computed tomography scan of the abdomen revealed an abdominal wall mass. During surgery, a spigelian hernia was found 5 to 7 cm above a previous cesarean incision. Tissue like "chocolate cysts" was present at the hernia sac. Hernia was repaired while tissue was excised and sent for histological examination that confirmed the diagnosis. Spigelian hernia is a hernia presenting difficulties in diagnosis and treatment. Endometrioma in a spigelian hernia sac is a rare diagnosis, confirmed only histologically. Clinical suspicion can be posed only through symptoms and thorough investigation.
authors.affiliation: 1 Department of Surgery, Athens University School of Medicine, "Laikon" General Hospital, Athens, Greece.
authors.forename: Demetrios
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Moris
authors.forename: Adamantios
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Michalinos
authors.forename: Spiridon
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Vernadakis
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002585:Cesarean Section; D004715:Endometriosis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006555:Hernia, Ventral / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000175:diagnosis*; D011247:Pregnancy
keywords: Cesarean section; Endometriosis; Spigelian hernia