Is there a link between Spigelian and inguinal hernias? A case series.

Introduction: Spigelian hernias are among the rare primary ventral hernias. Diagnosis is often difficult, as many cases are asymptomatic. Spigelian and inguinal hernias are usually considered separately in current scientific literature. With this case series, we want to illustrate a possible relationship between the neighboring hernia types.

Methods: In this article, we report on a case series of Spigelian hernias that were operated on in five hernia centers in the period from January 1st, 2021 to October 31st, 2023. We have summarized all patient characteristics with previous operations and the result of the secondary operation.

Results: We report a case series with 24 Spigelian hernias, 15 of which have a connection to previous inguinal hernias. In these cases, however, it is not certain whether these are primarily overlooked or occult hernias or whether these Spigelian hernias have arisen secondarily, as a result of previous hernia surgery. With this case series, we would like to point out a possible connection between Spigelian hernia and inguinal hernia. Further studies are needed to shed more light on this entity and explain its genesis.