Symptomatic gastric involvement in a parastomal hernia: uncommon presentation

Introduction: A parastomal hernia (PSH) is the most common complication of a stoma creation. The PSH contents normally consist of mobile abdominal structures, i.e. omentum and small or large bowel loops. A herniated stomach is thereby very rare, given that only eight cases are reported in the literature.Patients and methods: Two female patients with clinical symptoms of gastric involvement in a PSH were admitted in our centre.Results: Computed tomography (CT) imaging, nasogastric decompression and an efficient operative intervention ensured a good clinical outcome in both patients, but with a long hospital stay and temporary gastroparesis in one patient. Regarding our two cases and the eight cases reported in the literature, mainly older females with colostomies are at risk and most of them need surgery. Conclusions: In patients presenting with obstructive symptoms, one should be aware of a possible gastric outlet obstruction because of its involvement in a PSH, although sporadic. Surgery might be considered as the treatment of choice because conservative treatment mostly fails. Earlier surgery might perhaps also reduce postoperative hospital stay and gastroparesis.