Overview
Spigelian hernia-cryptorchidism syndrome is a very rare condition that combines two main problems present at birth. The first is a Spigelian hernia, which is a type of abdominal wall hernia that occurs along the edge of a muscle called the rectus abdominis (the 'six-pack' muscle). In this hernia, tissue or part of the intestine pushes through a weak spot in the lower belly wall. The second feature is cryptorchidism, which means one or both testicles have not descended into the scrotum as they normally should before or shortly after birth. This condition affects males and is typically noticed in newborns or young infants. The combination of these two findings together as a recognized pattern suggests there may be a shared developmental problem during fetal growth that affects both the abdominal wall and the normal descent of the testes. Because the abdominal wall and the pathway the testes follow during development are closely related anatomically, a disruption in this area can lead to both problems occurring together. Treatment is primarily surgical. The Spigelian hernia usually requires surgical repair to prevent complications such as bowel becoming trapped (incarcerated) or losing its blood supply (strangulated). Cryptorchidism is also treated surgically through a procedure called orchiopexy, which brings the undescended testicle down into the scrotum. Early diagnosis and timely surgical correction generally lead to good outcomes. Without treatment, both conditions carry risks — hernias can become emergencies, and undescended testes are associated with reduced fertility and a higher risk of testicular problems later in life.
Key symptoms:
Bulge or swelling on the lower side of the bellyOne or both testicles not found in the scrotumAbdominal discomfort or tenderness near the hernia siteVisible or palpable lump in the abdominal wall that may come and goEmpty or smaller-than-expected scrotum on one or both sidesFussiness or crying in infants possibly related to hernia discomfortSwelling that may increase with crying or straining
Sporadic
Usually appears on its own, not inherited from a parent
Neonatal
Begins at or shortly after birth (first 4 weeks)
Treatments
No FDA-approved treatments are currently listed for Spigelian hernia-cryptorchidism syndrome.
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Specialists
View all specialists →No specialists are currently listed for Spigelian hernia-cryptorchidism syndrome.
Treatment Centers
8 centersBaylor College of Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🏥 NORDStanford Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Stanford Medicine
📍 Stanford, CA
🔬 UDNNIH Clinical Center Undiagnosed Diseases Program ↗
National Institutes of Health
📍 Bethesda, MD
🔬 UDNUCLA UDN Clinical Site ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
🔬 UDNBaylor College of Medicine UDN Clinical Site ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🔬 UDNHarvard/MGH UDN Clinical Site ↗
Massachusetts General Hospital
📍 Boston, MA
🏥 NORDMayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine ↗
Mayo Clinic
📍 Rochester, MN
👤 Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine
🏥 NORDUCLA Rare Disease Day Program ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
Travel Grants
No travel grants are currently matched to Spigelian hernia-cryptorchidism syndrome.
Community
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Caregiver Resources
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Family & Caregiver Grants
Financial assistance programs specifically for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Social Security Disability
Learn how rare disease patients may qualify for SSDI/SSI benefits.
Questions for your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment
- Q1.When is the best time to schedule surgery for the hernia and the undescended testicle?,Can both surgeries be done at the same time?,What are the risks if we delay surgery?,Should my child have genetic testing to look for an underlying cause?,What signs of complications should I watch for before surgery?,What long-term follow-up will my child need after surgery?,Could this condition affect my child's fertility later in life?
Common questions about Spigelian hernia-cryptorchidism syndrome
What is Spigelian hernia-cryptorchidism syndrome?
Spigelian hernia-cryptorchidism syndrome is a very rare condition that combines two main problems present at birth. The first is a Spigelian hernia, which is a type of abdominal wall hernia that occurs along the edge of a muscle called the rectus abdominis (the 'six-pack' muscle). In this hernia, tissue or part of the intestine pushes through a weak spot in the lower belly wall. The second feature is cryptorchidism, which means one or both testicles have not descended into the scrotum as they normally should before or shortly after birth. This condition affects males and is typically noticed i
How is Spigelian hernia-cryptorchidism syndrome inherited?
Spigelian hernia-cryptorchidism syndrome follows a sporadic inheritance pattern. Genetic counseling can help families understand recurrence risk and testing options.
At what age does Spigelian hernia-cryptorchidism syndrome typically begin?
Typical onset of Spigelian hernia-cryptorchidism syndrome is neonatal. Age of onset can vary across affected individuals.