Preventing and treating parastomal hernia.

Parastomal hernia represents a major surgical challenge. There is no uniform definition of parastomal hernia, and the true rate is therefore difficult to establish, although it is probably higher than 30%. Many surgical techniques have been tried to prevent and treat parastomal hernia; but despite these efforts, herniation continues to be a problem. The only method that has reduced the rate of parastomal hernia in a randomized trial is the use of a prophylactic prosthetic mesh. A large-pore low-weight mesh with reduced polypropylene content and a high proportion of absorbable material placed in a sublay position at the primary operation significantly reduces the rate of parastomal hernia. Recurrence rates after surgical treatment of parastomal hernia are high unless mesh is used. Relocation of the stoma, with prophylactic mesh in a sublay position at the new site and sublay mesh repairing the incisional hernia at the primary site, is the standard method for treating parastomal hernia in our department.