Laparoscopic inferior and superior lumbar hernia repair

Lumbar hernias are rare defects that involve the extrusion of retroperitoneal fat or viscera through a weakness in the posterior abdominal wall. Repairing these hernias is often difficult because of the weakness of the surrounding structures. Techniques for reconstruction usually include an incision from the 12th rib to the iliac crest with mobilization of local flaps or onlay fascial flaps or the use of prosthetic mesh. Contemporary reports have advocated extensive retroperitoneal dissection with the placement of permanent mesh extraperitoneally. We have recently repaired an extensive, primary lumbar hernia laparoscopically, securing the mesh to the 12th rib superiorly, iliac crest inferiorly, erector spinae fascia medially, and external oblique fascia laterally. The patient resumed normal activities in less than 2 weeks; 4 months postoperatively, he seems to have a solid repair. To our knowledge, this is the first report of this technique.