The "unrecognized" spigelian hernia.

The appearance at a community hospital of four cases of spigelian hernia within a 16-month period lends support to the supposition that this lesion is more common than reports would indicate. Main points to consider in establishing the likelihood of this condition primarily include an awareness of its existence and its multiple symptomatology, the anatomic schema of the lateral rectus border, careful abdominal examination and use of radiographic aids.