Herniography (Peritoneography) for Diagnosis of Spigelian Hernia

BACKGROUND: Spigelian hernia is a rare clinical condition. It is difficult to diagnose in absence of obvious clinical signs. Ultrasound scan, cross-sectional imaging and contrast studies like herniography have been widely used for detecting occult abdominal wall hernias in symptomatic patients. AIM AND METHODS: We present our experience of detecting a clinically occult Spigelian hernia in a 56-year-old symptomatic male patient, who had concomitant left sided inguinal and Spigelian hernias. In this patient, the Spigelian hernia was not detected on ultrasound scan. We also present a review of literature on the role of herniography in the diagnosis of this rare condition. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Herniography is a sensitive investigation for evaluation of occult hernias. However, it is an invasive contrast study and therefore must be used selectively. Non-invasive real-time imaging like ultrasonography remains the first line of investigation for detecting occult hernias.