[Etiopathogenic and clinico-therapeutic considerations on Spigelian lateral ventral hernia. A caseload and review of the literature].

The authors report on 6 cases of Spigelian hernia surgically managed over the period from 1973 to 2002. They describe the anatomy of the anterolateral abdominal wall and the etiopathogenetic factors of this rare type of hernia. The clinical features of the disease are discussed and the diagnostic usefulness of a thorough physical examination is stressed, as is the value of imaging procedures when the hernia is not evident. They, then, go on to describe the repair techniques currently available that are capable of yielding an excellent long-term outcome.