Spigelian hernia is a rare lateral ventral abdominal hernia. These clinically elusive hernias are treacherous and have a real risk of strangulation. We present a patient with a strangulation of the small bowel and appendix in a right spigelian hernia, which was accurately demonstrated by spiral computerised tomography preoperatively and successfully treated with primary suturing reinforced with polypropylene mesh. With a high index of suspicion and the use of modern radiological technique, these "bewildering" hernias can be diagnosed and repaired relatively safely.