Primary Grynfeltt Lumbar Hernia: A Case Report

Abstract

A weakening or defect in the posterolateral abdominal wall can lead to development of lumbar hernia. These defects are particularly common in the Petit's inferior triangle or the Grynfeltt-Lesshaft superior triangle. There are very few cases of primary lumbar hernias that have been described in the literature till date. As it is a rare entity, it is often misdiagnosed, leading to delay in management. We present a case of a 66-year-old male with no previous surgery who presented with a mass in the left lumbar region for last ten years. The mass gradually increased in size and caused vague dragging pain. On Computed tomography, the diagnosis of Grynfeltt hernia was made. The patient underwent a laparoscopic mesh repair and had an uneventful postoperative hospital stay. Although a rare entity, there should be a high degree of suspicion of a lumbar hernia when evaluating a case of a lumbar mass. Early diagnosis by computed tomography and management with open or minimally invasive techniques can prevent complications.