Spigelian and other uncommon hernia repairs.

This article offers an overview of abdominal wall hernias, which are uncommon because of the unusual contents of their sacs. These include: Meckel's diverticulum, segments of the intestinal wall antimesenteric border, the vermiform appendix, the bladder; plus the penetration by the sac within the different muscle layers of the abdominal wall. These hernias present diagnostic difficulties and some are associated with high morbidity, but modern technology may help their prognosis. This article describes their histories and their unique presenting signs and symptoms and suggests up-to-date methods of imaging, as well as surgical tactics and technique.