Parastomal hernia repair with onlay mesh remains a safe and effective approach

Background

Parastomal hernia (PSH) management poses difficulties due to significant rates of recurrence and morbidity after repair. This study aims to describe a practical approach for PSH, particularly with onlay mesh repair using a lateral peristomal incision.

Methods

This is a retrospective review of consecutive patients who underwent PSH repair between 2001 and 2018.

Results

Seventy-six consecutive PSH with a mean follow-up of 93.1 months were reviewed. Repair was carried out for end colostomy (40%), end ileostomy (25%), ileal conduit (21%), loop colostomy (6.5%) end-loop colostomy (5%) and loop ileostomy (2.5%). The repair was performed either with a lateral peristomal incision (59%) or a midline incision (41%). Polypropylene mesh (86%), biologic mesh (8%) and composite mesh (6%) were used. Stoma relocation was done in 9 patients (12%). Eight patients (11%) developed postoperative wound complications. Recurrence occurred in 16 patients (21%) with a mean time to recurrence at 29.4 months. No significant difference in wound complication and recurrence was observed based on the type of stoma, incision used, type of mesh used, and whether or not the stoma was repaired on the same site or relocated.

Conclusion

Onlay mesh repair of PSH remains a practical and safe approach and could be an advantageous technique for high-risk patients. It can be performed using a lateral peristomal incision with low morbidity and an acceptable recurrence rate. However, for patients with significant adhesions and very large PSH, a midline approach with stoma relocation may also be considered.

Surgical Management of Parastomal Hernias

Parastomal hernias are a common complication after ostomy formation that can require surgical repair when they become symptomatic. Operative planning and a thorough understanding of the anatomy of the abdominal wall are important. Simple fascial repair is associated with an unacceptably high recurrence rate and should be used as a temporary measure only. Stoma relocation has a high recurrence rate. Prophylactic mesh can and should be used. At this time, the use of mesh is considered the standard of care in the repair of parastomal hernias.