Strangulated spigelian hernia with necrosis of the caecum, appendix and terminal ileum: an unusual presentation in the elderly

Abstract

Abstract Spigelian hernia is a rare form of abdominal wall hernias. We report an unusual case of a strangulated spigelian hernia with necrotic contents of the caecum, appendix and terminal ileum in the elderly. An 84-year-old woman, with a history of eight pregnancies, was admitted for bowel obstruction evolving for 7 days. The computed tomography scan showed a strangulated right spigelian hernia. Surgical exploration with an incision centered on the mass confirmed the diagnosis with extensive necrosis of the caecum, appendix and 10 cm of the terminal ileum. A right hemi-colectomy with an ileo-colic anastomosis was performed. The post-operative course was marked by the death of the patient in intensive care due to multi-visceral failure. The occurrence of strangulation with necrosis of the caecum, appendix and terminal ileum in spigelian hernia is extremely rare. It requires early diagnosis and treatment to reduce post-operative morbidity and mortality.