Laparoscopic repair of abdominal intercostal hernia: a case report and review of the literature

Surg Laparosc Endosc Percutan Tech. 2006 Aug;16(4):270-1. doi: 10.1097/00129689-200608000-00017.

Abstract

Abdominal intercostal herniation occurs rarely, with only 27 previous cases reported in the literature. An 84-year-old man presented with a painful large thoraco-abdominal mass. He had no history of trauma or surgery to the chest or abdomen. A thoraco-abdominal computerized tomography scan revealed a protrusion of intra-abdominal omental fat into a sac between the left eighth and ninth ribs. We present a novel technique for the repair of this uncommon condition. There were no peri-operative complications and the patient was asymptomatic on review 9 months later. We suggest that a laparoscopic approach may be used for treatment of an uncomplicated abdominal intercostal hernia.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Hernia, Abdominal / surgery*
  • Humans
  • Laparoscopy*
  • Male
  • Ribs
  • Surgical Mesh*