Dr Harsh Shah
MS, MCh (Surgical Gastroenterology), DrNB (Surgical Gastroenterology)
Registered with Gujarat Medical Council, Reg. No. G-38738
Robotic Hernia Surgeon · Apollo Hospital, Bhat, Gandhinagar · Gota OPD, Ahmedabad
In short
Most hernias show as a lump you can see and feel. A Spigelian hernia often does not. People may have pain at the side of the belly for months before anyone finds the cause.
This page explains where it hides, how it is found and why repair is advised.
The straight belly muscle runs down each side of the navel. Along its outer edge there is a band of tissue where other muscle layers join. A weak spot in this band, low down near the belly button level or below, lets fat or bowel push through.
It is uncommon. It is seen more in people over 50, and after weight gain, pregnancy or earlier surgery.
The outer layer of muscle over this spot is firm. So the hernia often spreads in between the muscle layers rather than pushing out under the skin. You feel it, but you do not see it.
The pain may come on with lifting, coughing or standing for long, and ease when you lie down. In a person with some weight, even a doctor may not feel it.
How a Spigelian hernia differs from more common hernias
| Point | Spigelian hernia | Inguinal or umbilical hernia |
|---|---|---|
| Where | Side of the lower belly | Groin, or at the belly button |
| Visible lump | Often none | Usually easy to see |
| Main complaint | Pain or a dragging feeling | A lump that comes and goes |
| How it is found | Ultrasound while straining, or CT | Often by examination alone |
| Usual advice | Planned repair once found | Repair, or watch if small and not painful |
Pain at the side of your lower belly with no clear cause? Bring any ultrasound or CT report you have.
Warning signs that need help the same day
Go to an emergency department if these happen.
The opening of a Spigelian hernia is usually small with firm edges. Bowel that slips in can get stuck. So surgeons advise a planned repair once it is found, even if the pain is mild.
Keyhole or robotic repair lets the surgeon see the weak spot from inside and cover it with a mesh. Most people go home the same day or the next day.
It is on the side of the lower belly, a little below and to the side of the navel, along the outer edge of the straight belly muscle.
The hernia often stays under a firm outer layer of muscle. It pushes in between the muscles instead of out under the skin.
An ultrasound done while you strain or cough often finds it. A CT scan helps when the picture is still unclear.
Usually yes. The opening is small with firm edges, so bowel can get trapped. Surgeons advise planned repair once it is found.
The contents are put back and the gap is closed, usually with a mesh. Keyhole or robotic repair lets the surgeon see it from inside.
The main page on this site is robotic hernia surgery in Ahmedabad. These cover the neighbouring questions.
Where to find us
Dr Harsh Shah, MS, MCh (Surgical Gastroenterology), DrNB (Surgical Gastroenterology)
Shah's Gastro, Cancer & Robotic Surgery Centre
Apollo Hospital, Bhat, Gandhinagar
Gota OPD, Ahmedabad
Bring your reports. Second opinions are welcome.
Swasth Parivar: twice a month, practical advice on recovery, diet and warning signs. No advertising. Stop any time.
Your number is used for these updates and for the clinic to reach you. It is never sold or passed on. To stop, reply STOP on WhatsApp.