Author Affiliations: Department of Pediatric Surgery, Trakya University Faculty of Medicine, Edirne, Turkey (Inan M, Basaran UN, Aksu B, Dortdogan Z, Dereli M)

Corresponding Author: Mustafa Inan, MD, Department of Pediatric Surgery, Trakya University Faculty of Medicine, 22030, Edirne, Turkey (Tel: +90 284 2357641; Fax: +90 284 2357652; Email: mustafainan@trakya.edu.tr)

doi: 10.1007/s12519-011-0313-5

Background: A Spigelian hernia (SH) is a ventral interstitial hernia through a defect in the Spigelian fascia; an undescended testis is sometimes associated with this clinical entity in male newborns. The etiopathogenesis, surgical anatomy, diagnostic methods, and treatment for this rare condition are discussed with a review of the literature.

Methods: A 20-day-old newborn was admitted to our hospital for a swelling in the right lower abdomen and undescended testis. Physical examination of the abdomen and scrotum revealed a congenital SH associated with cryptorchidism.

Results: Herniotomy, herniorrhaphy, and orchidopexy were performed. In the post-operative period, scrotal abscess occurred and was drained. After drainage, the fixed testis was found to be atrophic.

Conclusions: This association may be a distinct clinical syndrome. The operation time in cases of neonatal SH with undescended testis should be well planned because of probable surgical complications such as vascular damage, tension, or compression.

Key words: congenital Spigelian hernia; testicular atrophy; undescended testis     

World J Pediatr 2012;8(2):185-187