Non-operative treatment as a strategy for patients with parastomal hernia: a multicentre, retrospective cohort study

Parastomal hernia is the most common complication following stoma construction. Surgical treatment is usually chosen over non-operative treatment, but a clear rationale for the choice of management is often lacking. This study aims to investigate the reasons for non-operative treatment, cross-over rates and postoperative complications.

A multicentre, retrospective cohort study was conducted. Patients diagnosed with a parastomal hernia between January 2007 and December 2012 were included. Data on baseline characteristics, primary surgery and hernias were collected. For non-operative treatment, reasons for this treatment and cross-over rates were evaluated. For all patients undergoing surgery (surgical treatment and cross-overs), complication and recurrence rates were analysed.

Of the 80 patients included, 42 (53%) were in the surgical treatment group and 38 (48%) in the non-operative treatment group. Median follow-up was 46 months (interquartile range 24-72). The reasons for non-operative treatment were absence of symptoms in 12 patients (32%), comorbidities in nine (24%) and patient preference in three (7.9%). In 14 patients (37%) reasons were not documented. Eight patients (21%) crossed over from non-operative treatment to surgical treatment, of whom one needed emergency surgery. In 23 patients (55%), parastomal hernia recurred after the original surgical treatment, of whom 21 (91%) underwent additional repair.

Parastomal hernia repair is associated with high recurrence and additional repair rates. Non-operative treatment has a relatively low cross-over and emergency surgery rate. Given these data, non-operative treatment might be a better choice for patients without complaints or with comorbidities.