Lateral abdominal wall hernia: A surgeon’s dilemma

Abstract

Flank and lateral abdominal wall defects are a rare as well as challenging entity for surgeons as they differ vastly in regard to their anatomy, etiology, and pathophysiology. They remain an infrequent topic of discussion in the literature despite the potential of causing fatal consequences. Various approaches have been practiced and reviewed in details which have produced promising results. But, despite this, there is no general consensus regarding the proper method of repair of these hernias. Lateral wall defects typically result from iatrogenic causes, trauma, and are rarely congenitally acquired. In this article, we aim to highlight on the various operative methods we have performed for individual patient presenting with lateral abdominal wall hernia which have been tailored according to the patient’s requirement and all have shown satisfactory results.