Outcomes of surgically managed recurrent parastomal hernia: the Sisyphean challenge of the hernia world

Parastomal Hernia: direct repair versus relocation: is stoma relocation worth the risk? A comparative meta-analysis and systematic review

Parastomal hernia is a prevalent and challenging complication in patients with stomas, frequently necessitating surgical intervention. The two primary approaches to parastomal hernia repair- direct repair without relocation and stoma relocation- offer distinct benefits and drawbacks. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of stoma relocation versus direct repair in managing parastomal hernia. Following PRISMA guidelines, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies involving adult patients (≥ 18 years) with parastomal hernia who underwent either stoma relocation or direct repair, with a focus on clinically relevant outcomes. A comprehensive search of Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases was conducted up to September 2024. Key short-term outcomes (operative time, surgical site infection, urinary tract infection, bowel obstruction, length of hospital stay, and overall complications) and long-term outcomes (re-admission, recurrence, re-operation, and mortality) were extracted. Statistical analysis included risk ratios (RR) for dichotomous outcomes and mean differences (MD) for continuous outcomes. Six studies were included, encompassing both laparoscopic and open-surgical techniques. Direct repair was associated with a significantly shorter operative time (MD: 115 min, 95% CI: 95.71 to 134, P < 0.00001) and a reduced length of hospital stay (MD: 2 days, 95% CI: 0.40 to 3.9, P = 0.02). While reoperation rates were significantly lower in the relocation group (RR: 0.15, 95% CI: 0.03 to 0.62, P = 0.009), other outcomes-including recurrence, re-admission, and overall complication rates-showed comparable results between the two approaches. Notably, there were no significant differences in surgical site infection, urinary tract infection, bowel obstruction, or mortality rates. Direct repair may be advantageous for reducing operative time and hospital stay, whereas stoma relocation appears beneficial in reducing reoperation rates. Future research should focus on developing standardized techniques and incorporating patient-specific factors to inform optimal surgical decision-making in parastomal hernia repair.

Open Retromuscular Sugarbaker vs Keyhole Mesh Placement for Parastomal Hernia Repair: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Importance

Durable parastomal hernia repair remains elusive. There is limited evidence comparing the durability of the open retromuscular Sugarbaker and keyhole mesh configurations.

Objective

To determine if the open retromuscular Sugarbaker mesh placement technique would lower parastomal hernia recurrence rates.

Design, Setting, and Participants

In this single-center, randomized clinical trial, 150 patients with a permanent stoma and associated parastomal hernia who were candidates for open retromuscular parastomal hernia repair were enrolled and randomized from April 2019 to April 2022 and followed up for 2 years.

Interventions

Following intraoperative assessment to determine the feasibility of either technique, enrolled patients were randomized to receive either retromuscular Sugarbaker or keyhole synthetic mesh placement.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was parastomal hernia recurrence at 2 years. Secondary outcomes included mesh-related complications, wound complications, reoperations, as well as patient-reported pain, abdominal wall-specific quality of life, stoma-specific quality of life, and decision regret at 1 year and 2 years.

Results

A total of 150 patients were randomized, and with 91% follow-up at 2 years, there were 13 (17%) parastomal hernia recurrences in the retromuscular Sugarbaker arm and 18 (24%) in the keyhole arm (adjusted risk difference, -0.029; 95% CI, -0.17 to 0.153, and adjusted risk ratio, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.42 to 1.69). There were no statistically significant differences between the Sugarbaker and keyhole groups regarding reoperations for recurrence (2 vs 7, respectively), nonhernia intra-abdominal pathology (4 vs 10, respectively), stoma necrosis (1 vs 0, respectively), mesh-related complications (4 vs 1, respectively), patient-reported pain, abdominal wall-specific quality of life, stoma-specific quality of life, and decision regret at any time point.

Conclusions and Relevance

In the setting of open parastomal hernia repair, a retromuscular Sugarbaker mesh placement technique was not superior to a keyhole configuration 2 years after repair. Further innovation is necessary to improve parastomal hernia repair outcomes.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03972553.

Assessment of the quality of online patient information resources for patients considering parastomal hernia treatment

AIM

The aim was to examine the quality of online patient information resources for patients considering parastomal hernia treatment.

METHODS

A Google search was conducted using lay search terms for patient facing sources on parastomal hernia. The quality of the content was assessed using the validated DISCERN instrument. Readability of written content was established using the Flesch-Kincaid score. Sources were also assessed against the essential content and process standards from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) framework for shared decision making support tools. Content analysis was also undertaken to explore what the sources covered and to identify any commonalities across the content.

RESULTS

Fourteen sources were identified and assessed using the identified tools. The mean Flesch-Kincaid reading ease score was 43.61, suggesting that the information was difficult to read. The overall quality of the identified sources was low based on the pooled analysis of the DISCERN and Flesch-Kincaid scores, and when assessed against the criteria in the NICE standards framework for shared decision making tools. Content analysis identified eight categories encompassing 59 codes, which highlighted considerable variation between sources.

CONCLUSIONS

The current information available to patients considering parastomal hernia treatment is of low quality and often does not contain enough information on treatment options for patients to be able to make an informed decision about the best treatment for them. There is a need for high-quality information, ideally co-produced with patients, to provide patients with the necessary information to allow them to make informed decisions about their treatment options when faced with a symptomatic parastomal hernia.

PROPHER Study Collaborating Group. The PROPHER study: patient-reported outcomes after parastomal hernia treatment-a prospective international cohort study

AIM

A significant proportion of stoma patients develop a parastomal hernia (PSH), with reported rates varying widely from 5% to 50% due to heterogeneity in the definition and mode of diagnosis. PSHs are symptomatic in 75% of these patients, causing a significant impact on quality of life due to issues with appliance fitting, leakage, skin excoriation and pain. They can also lead to emergency presentations with strangulation and obstruction. Evidence is lacking on how to select patients for surgical intervention or conservative treatment. In those who do undergo surgery, the best operation for a particular patient or PSH is not always clear and many options exist. The aim of this study is to assess the impact of an individual patient's PSH treatment on their subsequent self-reported outcomes including treatment success and quality of life.

METHODS

This is a prospective international cohort study of PSH treatment, including both operative and non-operative interventions. A global network of clinicians and specialist nurses will recruit 1000-1500 patients and centralize detailed information, their individual background and their PSH treatment, as well as short-term outcomes up to 30 days. Patients will then provide their own outcomes data including quality of life and whether their treatment was successful, via a secure online system, at 3, 6 and 12 months. PROPHER will be run in two phases: an internal pilot phase of at least 10 hospitals from up to five countries, and a main phase of up to 200 hospitals from across the European Society of Coloproctology network.

DISCUSSION

This study will provide a wealth of contemporaneous information which will improve our ability to counsel patients and facilitate improved selection of appropriate and personalized interventions for those with a PSH.

Understanding patients' perspectives when unprepared for the emergence of a parastomal bulge-a qualitative study

AIM

The aim was to investigate patients' experiences of being prepared for the development of a parastomal bulge in relation to a stoma.

METHODS

The paper draws on a qualitative interview study conducted with 20 Danish patients participating in five focus groups. Analysis was performed using a phenomenological-hermeneutic approach.

RESULTS

We identified three themes. The first theme is 'The unforeseen bulge gives rise to increasing concern and a search for an explanation'. Patients searched for explanations in their own life and suspected that their behaviour or previous illness induced the bulge. The second theme is 'Missing or confusing information leads to counterproductive behaviour'. Patients lacked information on the prevention and treatment of parastomal bulging which led to disappointment with healthcare professionals. The third theme is 'Weighing the pros and cons of life with the bulge against the gamble of surgical repair'. Some patients came to terms with their situation, but for others a deadlocked situation arose when surgical repair was not an option.

CONCLUSION

Healthcare communication directly impacts on patients' experiences and outcomes. When unprepared for the emergence of a parastomal bulge, patients' emotional and psychological well-being are affected and likewise patients' possibility of using their own health beliefs as a preventive strategy. To preserve patient autonomy, satisfaction and well-being, surgeons and stoma nurses should provide patients with tailored information bearing in mind the current lack of clear evidence on the prevention and treatment of parastomal bulging.

Parastomal Hernia Repair

Parastomal hernias (PHs) are common and contribute to significant patient morbidity. Despite 45 years of evolution, mesh-based PH repairs continue to be challenging to perform and remain associated with high rates of postoperative complications and recurrences. In this article, the authors summarize the critical factors to consider when evaluating a patient for PH repair. The authors provide an overview of the current techniques for repair, including both open and minimally invasive approaches. The authors detail the mesh-based repair options and review the evidence for choice of mesh to use for repair.

Parastomal hernia: an overview

Parastomal hernia (PH) is one of the most frequent ostomy complications, and the reported incidence in the literature is highly variable. As highlighted by the Association of Stoma Care Nurses UK, this complication develops mainly in children and older men over 70, but many predisposing factors are related to the individual patient and surgery. There is no standardised system for assessing PH. The main assessment techniques include objective examination, ultrasound scan and computed tomography. Prevention is based on various interventions by surgeons and stoma care nurses (SCNs). The SCN's primary interventions include accurate patient evaluation, pre-operative ostomy siting, education about body weight management and advice on appropriate exercises. The treatment of PH can be conservative or surgical, and the choice is based on the patient's clinical condition. Ostomy can significantly impact on a patient's quality of life (QoL), and the presence of PH can further aggravate the situation. This overview of PH considers the incidence, aetiology, prevention, treatment and impact on QoL.

Rethinking recovery: rehabilitation and intra-abdominal pressure management to reduce the risk of parastomal hernia

Julie Mills, RN, Global Ostomy Nurse Engagement Manager, Convatec, writes that parastomal hernia is a common and consequential complication of stoma surgery, but the risk can be reduced with a structured rehabilitation programme based on appropriate core abdominal exercises, supported by the full multidisciplinary team.

Outcomes of parastomal hernia repair after national centralization

BACKGROUND

In 2010, it was decided to centralize parastomal hernia repairs to five specialized hernia centres in Denmark to improve outcomes. The aim of this nationwide cohort study was to evaluate whether centralization of parastomal hernia repairs has had an impact on outcomes. Specifically, readmission, reoperation for complication, and operation for recurrence were analysed before and after centralization.

METHODS

By merging clinical and administrative outcome data from the Danish Hernia Database with those from the Danish National Patient Registry, all patients undergoing parastomal hernia repair in Denmark from 1 January 2007 to 31 December 2018 were included. Centralization was defined as having at least 70 per cent of procedures were performed at one of the five national centres. Readmission, reoperation, and recurrence rates for emergency and elective repairs were evaluated before and after centralization.

RESULTS

In total, 1062 patients were included. Median follow-up was 992 days. Overall, the centralization process took 7 years. For elective repairs, the readmission, reoperation, mortality, and recurrence rates were comparable before and after centralization, but more patients overall and more patients with co-morbidity were offered surgery after centralization. For emergency repairs, there was a significant reduction in rates of reoperation (from 44.9 per cent (48 of 107) to 23 per cent (14 of 62); P = 0.004) and mortality (from 10.3 per cent (11 of 107) to 2 per cent (1 of 62); P = 0.034) after centralization.

CONCLUSION

Centralization led to more elective operations and better outcomes when emergency repair was needed. Centralization of parastomal hernia repair led to more patients receiving elective repair and significantly improved outcomes after emergency repair.

Surgical treatment strategy for recurrent parastomal hernia: Experiences from 17 cases

Purpose

This study aimed to investigate the surgical treatment strategy of recurrent parastomal hernia (PH) and show its safety, feasibility, and outcomes at a mid-term follow-up.

Methods

A total of 17 cases of recurrent PH treated at our hospital between January 2016 and October 2021 were included in this retrospective analysis. Patient characteristics were recorded, and the classification of PH, operative time, intraoperative blood loss, hernia repair techniques, follow-up times, complications, as well as recurrence were compared and analyzed.

Results

Altogether, 17 patients with recurrent PH underwent successful hernia repair via surgical treatment at The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University and Shandong University Qilu Hospital. No recurrence or severe complications were noted during follow-ups (mean 32.8 ± 3.77 [range 3–68] months).

Conclusions

For recurrent PH, selecting a suitable repair approach based on intraperitoneal conditions such as infection, abdominal adhesions, or the length of the bowel loop, can help in achieving better therapeutic results. The lap-redo + Sugarbaker technique is worth recommending when the appropriate conditions are met.

Modified Laparoscopic Sugarbaker Repair of Parastomal Hernia With a Totally Extraperitoneal Technique

Purpose: Many patients develop a parastomal hernia within the first 2 years of stoma formation, and even surgical repair is associated with high recurrence rates. An intraperitoneal approach is typically used for the laparoscopic repair of parastomal hernia; it is unknown whether a totally extraperitoneal technique (TEP) is feasible. Here we describe a laparoscopic TEP approach using a modified Sugarbaker method for the repair of parastomal hernia.

Methods: Seven patients underwent parastomal hernia repair. The retrograde puncture technique was used to create the extrapneumoperitoneum, and the peritoneum was separated with a laparoscopic TEP approach; the mesh was placed using a modified Sugarbaker technique.

Results: All patients had an oncologic etiology for stoma creation. The mean (±SD) size of the hernia defect was 3.1 ± 2.7 cm and the mesh size was 303.4 ± 96.8 cm². The mean operative time was 195.5 ± 20.7 min and average length of hospital stay after surgery was 4.8 ± 2.1 days. One patient had intraoperative subcutaneous emphysema. The average follow-up time was 8.5 ± 2.7 months; mild pain occurred in 2 patients, 3 experienced seroma formation (with no special treatment required), and 1 had early intestinal obstruction (which was treated with conservative care). There was no hernia recurrence, wound complications, or infections of the surgical site or mesh during follow-up.

Conclusion: A laparoscopic TEP technique is technically challenging but feasible. Modified laparoscopic Sugarbaker repair of a parastomal hernia with the TEP technique is safe and effective, although the recurrence rate and late complications require confirmation in more cases with long-term follow-up.

Prophylactic mesh placement at index permanent end colostomy creation to prevent parastomal hernia-an updated meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Debate persists regarding the efficacy of prophylactic mesh insertion (PMI) at index permanent stoma creation to reduce the rate of parastomal hernia (PSH). This meta-analysis aimed to appraise all the latest evidence from newly published randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on PMI for PSH prevention.

METHODS

PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases were searched for relevant articles from inception until November 2020. All RCTs that reported on PMI at end colostomy creation with ≥ 12 months follow-up were included. The primary objective was the rate of clinical and radiological PSH while secondary objectives included number of PSH requiring repair and stoma (or mesh)-related complications. Random effects models were used to calculate pooled effect size estimates. Sensitivity analyses were also performed.

RESULTS

Eleven RCTs were included capturing 1097 patients. The mean (SD) age was 67.9 (±9.4) years. On random effects analysis, prophylactic mesh appeared to reduce the rate of both clinical (OR = 0.27, 95% CI = 0.12 to 0.61, p = 0.002) and radiological (OR = 0.39, 95% CI = 0.24 to 0.65, p = 0.0002) PSH. However, there was no difference in number of PSH requiring repair or stoma-related complications. On sensitivity analysis, when focusing on low-risk of bias studies, the benefit of prophylactic mesh in the retrorectus space was lost for both clinical (OR = 0.97, 95% CI = 0.62 to 1.51, p = 0.89) and radiological PSH (OR = 0.74, 95% CI = 0.46 to 1.18, p = 0.20).

CONCLUSION

PMI may reduce the rate of subsequent PSH. However, further studies are required to confirm these findings and to establish the optimal mesh position and shape before definite recommendations can be made.

Endoscopic Totally Extraperitoneal Repair of Parastomal Hernia: A Case Report

A parastomal hernia is a type of incisional hernia that occurs in abdominal integuments in the proximity of a stoma. It is a frequent late complication following colostomy. Surgical repair is currently the only treatment option for parastomal hernia. Here we present the case of a 74-year-old patient with parastomal hernia and a history of open surgery treated with a totally extraperitoneal (TEP) endoscopic approach. There was no recurrence of the hernia at the 3-month follow-up. We discuss the feasibility and possible operative approaches for endoscopic repair of parastomal hernia with the TEP technique.

A new anterior approach to parastomal hernia repair (PHR) with linear stapler suture: A case report

Introduction

Parastomal hernia is a type of incisional hernia occurring in abdominal integuments in the vicinity of a stoma. The best surgical approach for PSH remains controversial. Most studies report short follow-up time after surgery and a low number of cases to allow conclusions. Actually, we don't have a relevant recommendation about an optimal surgical technique or the most effective mesh for PSH repair.

Presentation of the case

Once packaged the latero-lateral mechanical anastomosis to restore the continuity of the intestinal tract of the patient, an adequate disinfection of trough of the stoma was done. The lateral and medial margins of the defect are then transposed towards each other and kept side by side with a gripper; a 60 mm tristaple linear stapler was placed, incorporating both edges and the charge is fired to obtain a perfect synthesis of the retromuscular plane.

Discussion

In the literature has been described several surgical techniques for its repair: suture repair, relocation, mesh-based technique with open or laparoscopic approach. Both, the simple corrective surgery of Thorlakson in 1965 and the use of the peritoneomuscular flap for closing the defect, suggested by Bewes, led to high incidence of recurrence. An important reduction in the rate of parastomal hernia derives also from the mesh reinforcement of the stoma trephine.

Conclusion

The authors suggest that this technique should be help the surgeons to repair parastomal hernia in patients with multiple risk factors to develop a recurrence of parastomal hernia.

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The best surgical approach for Parastomal Hernia repair (PSH) remains controversial.

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Causes that predispose to the development of incisional hernia are multiple, such as obesity and diabetes.

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This technique may help the surgeons to repair the PSH in patients with risk factors to develop a recurrence after surgery.

Surgical repair of parastomal bulging: a retrospective register-based study on prospectively collected data

AIM

The aim of this work was to examine (1) the incidence of primary repair, (2) the incidence of recurrent repair and (3) the types of repair performed in patients with parastomal bulging.

METHOD

Prospectively collected data on parastomal bulging from the Danish Stoma Database were linked to surgical data on repair of parastomal bulging from the Danish National Patient Register. Survival statistics provided cumulative incidences and time until primary and recurrent repair.

RESULTS

In the study sample of 1016 patients with a permanent stoma and a parastomal bulge, 180 (18%) underwent surgical repair. The cumulative incidence of a primary repair was 9% [95% CI (8%; 11%)] within 1 year and 19% [95% CI (17%; 22%)] within 5 years after the occurrence of a parastomal bulge. We found a similar probability of undergoing primary repair in patients with ileostomy and colostomy. For recurrent repair, the 5-year cumulative incidence was 5% [95% CI (3%; 7%)]. In patients undergoing repair, the probability was 33% [95% CI (21%; 46%)] of having a recurrence requiring repair within 5 years. The main primary repair was open or laparoscopic repair with mesh (43%) followed by stoma revision (39%). Stoma revision and repair with mesh could precede or follow one another as primary and recurrent repair. Stoma reversal was performed in 17% of patients.

CONCLUSION

Five years after the occurrence of a parastomal bulge the estimated probability of undergoing a repair was 19%. Having undergone a primary repair, the probability of recurrent repair was high. Stoma reversal was more common than expected.