[Spiegeli's hernia]

Spontaneous lateral ventral hernia (spigelian hernia) is briefly reviewed in the light of 7 patients with a total of 8 hernias. The relatively high incidence of spigelian hernia (5% of all abdominal hernias operated on in 1 year) suggests that this hernia type is not uncommon if borne in mind when diagnosing conditions with abdominal pain. Pain, tenderness and a palpable mass along the lateral edge of the rectus abdominis are the leading symptoms. Since the operation is simple and the postoperative period uneventful, operative treatment is strongly recommended. Accurate diagnosis with resultant surgery for this type of hernia spares the patient unnecessary examinations and totally relieves symptoms.