Spigelian-cryptorchidism syndrome: a case report and discussion of the basic elements in a possibly new congenital syndrome

Pediatr Surg Int. 2010 Sep;26(9):939-42. doi: 10.1007/s00383-010-2681-7. Epub 2010 Aug 3.

Abstract

Pediatric cases of Spigelian hernias are rare. Only a few reports on this condition, in combination with ipsilateral cryptorchidism and testis in the hernia sac, have been published. We report on Spigelian hernia in a 3-week-old boy containing both the ipsilateral testis, without a gubernaculum and an incarcerated loop of the small intestine. It has been suggested that the combination of Spigelian hernia and ipsilateral cryptorchidism is part of a new syndrome. We discuss whether the lack of a gubernaculum and an inguinal canal reported in other similar cases may be additional elements of this new syndrome. We present a comprehensive overview of pediatric patients with Spigelian-cryptorchidism syndrome reported in the English language literature. In 75% of male infants with Spigelian hernia, there is an associated ipsilateral cryptorchidism, and in 87% of these patients, the testis is found inside the hernia sac. Thus, the surgeon dealing with a congenital Spigelian hernia should look for an undescended testis and be prepared to find it in the hernia sac.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Cryptorchidism / diagnosis
  • Cryptorchidism / surgery*
  • Hernia, Ventral / diagnosis
  • Hernia, Ventral / surgery*
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Intestinal Obstruction / diagnosis
  • Intestinal Obstruction / surgery
  • Intestine, Small / surgery
  • Male
  • Syndrome
  • Testis / abnormalities
  • Testis / surgery