Parastomal hernia surgery: personal experience with use of polypropylene mesh

Following stoma construction, parastomal hernia is the most frequent complication. Many surgical techniques have been postulated for these patients, and prosthetic surgery represents the first-choice treatment. We report our personal experience with 8 cases of parastomal hernia in patients submitted to abdominal perineal resection according to Miles, for carcinoma of the lower rectum. Polypropylene mesh was shaped according to the size of the fascial defects, characterized by a romboid incision about 4 cm in length. The mesh was placed in suprafascial position, after suturing the fascial tear. One case of wound infection occurred and, to date, none of the patients have presented with recurrence after a 3-year follow-up. In conclusion, the use of polypropylene mesh for parastomal hernia repair represents a safe and successful technique.