The retroperitoneoscopic repair of a lumbar hernia of Petit. Case report and review of literature.

In this paper, we comment on a patient who consulted us because of his "lower backpain" together with the appearance of a small swelling at the left side. Anamnesis and clinical examination were suggestive and further simple diagnostic methods confirmed the exceptional diagnosis of a "lumbar hernia of Petit". We describe the retroperitoneoscopic approach of this hernia, its reduction and the fixation of a polypropylene mesh at the surrounding structures with a Tacker. This approach provided a good postoperative comfort, a shorter hospital stay and an early recovery of autonomy and activity. Furthermore, we give a review of the literature concerning lumbar hernias and the evolution of the different reconstruction techniques.