Operative outcomes and complication rates are similar for open and minimally invasive repair of Spigelian hernias

A retrospective chart review of 43 cases of Spigelian hernias over a 10-year period found that a laparoscopic approach was the preferred method of repair in 74% of cases. The predominant hernial content was fat only, and 65% of cases had a history of prior abdominal surgery unrelated to the Spigelian belt location. Complications occurred in 19% of cases, but there was no statistically significant difference in operative outcomes, complication rates, or predisposing factors between open and minimally invasive case groups.