Promising new technique in the repair of parastomal hernia

Parastomal hernia is a common complication after stoma formation. Although not all hernias require surgical repair, a variety of surgical techniques exist. Fascial repair, relocation of the stoma, and the local use of a nonabsorbable mesh are the three major approaches. Despite this variety of techniques, recurrence rate and complications are high. We therefore invented a laparoscopic technique where we close the hernia and reinforce it with a hand-made "funnel-shaped" Gore-Tex dual mesh. This technique has all advantages of laparoscopy (less pain, short hospitalization) combined with the advantages of local mesh repair (no stoma replacement necessary, low recurrence rate). The risk of infection is also minimized. The shape of the Gore-Tex mesh reduces hernia recurrence even more, prevents prolapse, and allows easy colonoscopy and stoma irrigation.