Spigelian hernias are an uncommon type of primary ventral hernia and are defined as a defect in the Spigelian aponeurosis (fascia). Herein, we present an uncommon case of Spigelian hernia to highlight the potential complications of these hernias and the need for surgical management. This is a case report of an 86-year-old gentleman presenting post-fall with an acute rib fracture and an incidental Spigelian hernia seen on a CT trauma pan scan. The Spigelian hernia surgical treatment was planned for elective management due to the anesthetic risks associated with an elderly patient and acute rib fractures. Ultimately, the patient developed a large bowel obstruction secondary to the Spigelian hernia and required emergency operative management to relieve the obstruction. The patient had an uncomplicated recovery following his emergency surgery. This case report highlights the importance of assessing anesthetic risks versus surgical risks when it comes to surgical planning. Clinicians should recognize occult hernias and continue ongoing clinical reviews with a high index of suspicion, as symptoms of Spigelian hernia obstruction might be non-specific.
Keywords: emergency abdominal surgery; exploratory laparoscopy; general and colorectal surgeon; large-bowel obstruction; rare case of spigelian hernia.
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