Spigelian hernia in Spain. An analysis of 162 cases.

Spigelian hernia is a rare defect of the abdominal wall. Incarceration and strangulation are frequent complications. Its diagnosis and treatment are still not standardized. The objective of this work is to review the Spanish bibliography up to 2003, and to bring this hernial pathology up to date. We analyze the number of total published cases, their series, etiopathogenesis, diagnostic procedures, differential diagnoses, and therapeutic alternatives, and the contributions of the video-endoscopic approach. The literature review included 37 papers from Spain with 162 cases, including the personal experience of the authors (16 plus 5 cases).