Congenital spigelian hernias and cryptorchidism
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Published on: February 10, 2023
Megan M Durham1, Richard R Ricketts
1Department of Surgery, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
Insights
Spigelian hernias are rare in infants, often linked to undescended testes (cryptorchidism). This study suggests a congenital origin for these rare pediatric abdominal wall defects.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Congenital Abnormalities
- Abdominal Wall Defects
Background:
- Spigelian hernias are uncommon in infants, with unclear etiology, unlike in adults where they are typically acquired.
- A congenital defect in abdominal wall development is suspected in pediatric cases.
- Previous literature identifies only 24 infant cases, 12 associated with cryptorchidism.
Observation:
- This study presents 4 new cases of spigelian hernias in infants, including two siblings, all associated with cryptorchidism.
- The hernias were located in the typical spigelian hernia belt along the semilunar line.
- Seven undescended testes were surgically repaired via orchiopexy.
Findings:
- Four new cases of infant spigelian hernias associated with cryptorchidism are reported.
- Surgical repair involved primary closure with absorbable sutures for most hernias, with one requiring a patch.
- The association with cryptorchidism supports a potential congenital origin.
Implications:
- The findings suggest a possible congenital etiology for spigelian hernias in infants, particularly when associated with cryptorchidism.
- Further investigation into developmental defects may clarify the origins of these rare pediatric hernias.
- This highlights the importance of considering congenital factors in infant abdominal wall anomalies.
Purpose:
Spigelian hernias in childhood are rare. Only 24 infants in the English literature have been identified to have spigelian hernias, and 12 of these have been associated with cryptorchidism. Spigelian hernias are more commonly seen in the adult population and are considered to be acquired because they are typically associated with trauma or other etiologies of increased intraabdominal pressure. In the infant however, the etiology remains unclear, but a congenital defect in abdominal wall development is suspected.
Methods:
We discuss the presentation and treatment of 4 additional patients with spigelian hernias (2 siblings included) associated with cryptorchidism.
Results:
The hernias occurred within the well-described spigelian hernia belt in the semilunar line at the level of the semicircular fold of Douglas. Of the 6 repaired spigelian hernias, 5 were closed primarily with absorbable suture similar to previously reported cases; the sixth hernia required a patch closure because of its large size. All cryptorchid testes (7) were repaired in single-stage orchiopexies.
Conclusions:
Spigelian hernias are rare entities in infants. We present 4 new cases of spigelian hernias associated with cryptorchidism and, with previously reported cases, discuss the probability of a congenital origin of these hernias in infants.
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