Preperitoneal approach to parastomal hernia with coexistent large incisional hernia

OBJECTIVE: To assess the outcome of preperitoneal mesh repair of complex incisional herniae incorporating a stoma and large parastomal hernia. METHODS: From 1994 to 1998, symptomatic patients who had repair of combined incisional hernia and parastomal hernia were reviewed. Body mass index, co-morbidity, length of hospital stay, patient satisfaction and outcomes were recorded. RESULTS: Ten patients (seven females and three males), mean age 62 (range 48-80) years underwent primary repair. All had significant comorbidities (ASA grade 3) and mean body mass index was 31.1 (range 20-49). Median hospital stay was 15 (range 8-150) days. Complications were of varying clinical significance (seroma, superficial infection, major respiratory tract infection and stomal necrosis). There were no recurrences after a mean follow up of 54 (range 22-69) months. CONCLUSION: The combination of a parastomal hernia and generalised wound dehiscence is an uncommon but difficult problem. The application of the principles of low-tension mesh repair can provide a satisfactory outcome and low recurrence rate. This must be tempered by recognition of the potential for significant major postoperative complication.