Spigelian Hernia Symptoms

As the name signifies, spigelian hernia is located in the spigelian fascia, a layer of fibrous tissue that lie intermediary to the linea semilunaris and rectus abdominis muscle. Spigelian hernia symptoms are vague and mimic other medical problems. Thus, it is often mistaken for other health conditions associated with abdominal area. In comparison to other hernia types, the spigelian hernia occurs very rarely.

What Causes Spigelian Hernia?

The causes of spigelian hernia are similar to other types of hernia. Structural and anatomical weakness of the abdominal wall are the risk factors for this medical problem, too. Probable causes of hernia are localized injury, prolonged exposure of the abdominal walls to physical stress and weakening of the muscles due to aging. Most of the patients who are diagnosed with spigelian hernia fall in the age group 40 to 70. The risk of developing noticeable symptoms is more in people, who are over 50 years old.

Symptoms of Spigelian Hernia

Majority of the hernia types are located subcutaneously underneath the fat layers, thus their presence can be felt as abnormal swelling. While this is not the case with spigelian hernia. Identified as interparietal hernia, it is found within the muscles of the abdominal wall. As it is a sub-muscular hernia, there is no external sign of swelling or lump with spigelian hernia. Also, this type of hernia is usually very small, adding to difficulty in identification. The commonly manifested indicants of spigelian hernia are abdominal discomfort and intermittent mass.

Pain in the actual location is a noticeable sign, which comes and goes on a repeated basis. After onset of painful hernia symptoms, the patient experiences dull or low degree pain in the immediate area. Although spigelian hernia is very small in size, external lump or soft tissue mass can be felt by the patients, who have little fats in the affected abdominal area. In some people, decrease in bowel functions and bowel obstruction signs are observed, which tend to remain for more than one day.

If the physician suspects that an individual has spigelian hernia condition, much emphasis is given in the arcuate line of abdomen (or linea arcuata). Because it is this portion, where spigelian hernia (within or below) is present in most cases. It is assumed that absence of posterior rectus sheath increases the chances for development of spigelian hernia in the linea arcuata portion. The doctor will also examine the abdominal portion for presence of any soft lumps.

Due to lack of prominent spigelian hernia symptoms, this medical condition is very difficult to diagnose. In many instances, it remains undetected for a very long time. A thorough medical examination is done and imaging tests (computed tomography scan and ultrasonography) are conducted to rule out possible health conditions. Spigelian hernia is confirmed based on the CT scan results.

Spigelian Hernia Treatment

After diagnosing spigelian hernia, treatment is essential to prevent the risk of strangulation. Based on the severity of the symptoms and the diagnostic test results, the doctor will determine an appropriate hernia cure alternative for the patient. Most probably, a minimal invasive surgery will be performed to repair the damage caused by the hernia in the adjoining muscles. If required, a safe surgical mesh is introduced in the abdominal wall to restore normal function. This also helps in minimizing the risk of recurrent spigelian hernia in the area.

So, this was a brief information concerning spigelian hernia symptoms, probable causes and treatment. Timely medical intervention in the form of hernia repair will help in minimizing medical complications, like incarceration and colon problems, which are resulted due to delay in diagnosis and therapeutic intervention.