A CASE OF SUPERIOR LUMBAR HERNIA

There are two anatomically weakened spaces in the lumbar area, superior and inferior lumbar triangle. Lumbar hernia is rare and may occur in these triangles. In this paper, a case of lumbar hernia is reported with some additional discussion on previous literature. A 62-year-old woman was admitted to the hospital because of lumbago and a soft tumor on the left lower back. On examination, there was a soft tumor on the left superior lumbar space, sized 7cm in diameter, and it disappeared in a prone position. CT scanning showed a lumbar muscle defect and subcutaneous low density area. An operation showed herniated retroperitoneal fatty tissue through a 2.5×1.3cm defect of transversalis fascia in the superior lumbar triangle. The defect was closed directly with internal oblique and spinal erector muscles. Norecurrence sign has been found, as of 6 months after the operation. In the literature from Japan, only 28 cases of lumbar hernia have been reported and recent reports approve the usefulness of CT scanning for preoperative diagnosis of the lumbar hernia.