Reducing the incidence of parastomal hernia with a simple surgical technique

The incidence of parastomal hernia is reported at between 10% and 50%. The development of a hernia after stoma surgery can lead to both physical and psychological problems and may reduce the individual's quality of life. Many garments and appliances are aimed at managing a stoma and a peri-stomal hernia. From a surgical perspective, to date there has been no real success in achieving a reduction in parastomal hernia incidence. The cost of managing a parastomal hernia is reported as being in excess of £1 million a year in England for non-surgical management alone. Surgical repair of parastomal hernia carries not only a financial burden but an increased risk of mortality and morbidity.