Method of repair for lumbar (Petit and Grynfeltt) hernias; uses skin incision over hernia, ligation of sac, and removal of lipoma if present with placement of Marlex or Prolene patch over defect. Latissimus dorsi and external oblique are approximated as far as possible (avoiding undue tension) over patch and sutured to edges, and gluteal flap is then swung up over remaining exposed patch and sutured to patch with skin closed above this.