Open Approach to Primary Lumbar Hernia Repair: A Lucid Option

BACKGROUND: Lumbar hernia is a rare type of hernia. Awareness of the anatomical basis of this hernia is important for proper diagnosis and treatment. INTRODUCTION: Lumbar hernia is a protrusion of either extraperitoneal fat or intraperitoneal contents through either of the lumbar triangles. Primary lumbar hernias are extremely rare thereby rendering such a case reportable, to create an awareness about this condition to upcoming surgeons. CASE REPORT: A case of primary lumbar hernia treated successfully by open mesh repair is presented. DISCUSSION: The anatomical aspects underlying this condition along with diagnostic tests, their pitfalls, and surgical approaches are discussed. CONCLUSION: Awareness of this condition is essential for arriving at a clinical diagnosis. CT scan provides a road map for deciding the approach. Both the traditional open and the newer laparoscopic approaches are described. However open meshplasty is still a very safe and effective method of treatment.