Intercostal Hernia Successfully Treated with Laparoscopic Repair Using a Mesh—A Case Report—

Abstract

A 55-year-old man was admitted to a local hospital with a fracture in his right 9^th rib following a 3-month history of episodic chronic coughing. He received conservative treatment with analgesics ; however, he developed right-sided thoracoabdominal wall bulging during the course of treatment and was referred to our department. Abdominal computed tomography revealed an opening at the 9^th intercostal space with ileal and hepatic herniation through the defect, and he was diagnosed with an intercostal hernia. He underwent laparoscopic repair with intercostal hernia orifice closure using an appropriate mesh. The patient's postoperative course was uneventful without recurrence at his 8-month follow-up. Intercostal hernia is rare ; therefore, a standard operative approach has not been established for its management. Laparoscopic repair with mesh placement might be useful for this condition with regard to safety and recurrence prevention.