HOME > HERNIA TYPES > SPIGELIAN HERNIA
Spigelian hernia is a less common hernia in the abdominal wall, slightly to the side of the upper abdomen. They are repaired in the same way as the majority of hernias with tension-free mesh reinforcement. Early symptoms may include a bulge appearing to the side and below your navel and a certain amount of discomfort that may become more painful when lifting heavy objects or through coughing.
This type of hernia protrudes through a weakness between the muscle fibres of the abdominal wall. Factors that can contribute to causing a spigelian hernia include obesity, sports activity, coughing and heavy lifting.
A spigelian hernia can be difficult to diagnose due to the lack of obvious symptoms. Below are some of the known symptoms.
Spigelian hernias tend to have a narrow neck and are usually small and often start with pain or discomfort in the area – lower abdominal wall on the right or the left. Below the level of the umbilicus or navel. The bulge of the hernia is not often seen or felt (by doctors) as it lies beneath the aponeurosis (tendon like covering sheath) of the external oblique muscle. Confirmation of the diagnosis may require ultrasound or CT-scan.
Surgery under local or general anaesthetic is usually required to treat this type of hernia as it can be prone to strangulation. Typical surgery methods include tension-free open mesh that has been perfected by London Hernia consultants over many years.
Many hernias do not hurt so the temptation is to leave them and get on with life. But failing to get medical advice can be damaging and is not recommended. If left the hernia will grow and discomfort and pain, even if negligible to start with, will intensify.
To ask a question or book an appointment you can contact our team by calling (+351) 22 20 62 100 or by emailing us at info@portoherniaclinic.com.