Laparoscopic repair of parastomal hernias: early results

Background: Open repair of parastomal hernias is associated with high rates of morbidity and recurrence. Laparoscopic repair with mesh has been described, and good results have been reported in small case series with short-term follow-up. The purpose of this study was to review our institution’s experience with the laparoscopic repair of parastomal hernias. Methods: Nine patients with symptomatic parastomal hernias (five ileal conduits, two ileostomies, and two sigmoid colostomies) underwent laparoscopic repair with mesh between April 1998 and September 2001. Demographics, operative details, postoperative complications, and hernia recurrences were recorded retroprospectively. Results: All of the patients were men; their average age was 66 years (range, 53–77). A single piece of Gore-Tex Dual Mesh with a slit to accommodate the stoma was used in seven of nine repairs; in the other two patients, two pieces of mesh were used. Concurrent incisional hernias were repaired in three of nine patients (33.3%). The average operating time was 243 min (range, 136–360). The average postoperative length of stay was 4.7 days (range, 2–7). Immediate postoperative complications occurred in three patients (33.3%) (one ileus, one urinary retention, and one ulnar neuropathy). Recurrences developed in four patients (44.4%), and in one patient (11.1%) the stoma prolapsed; all of these failures occurred within 6 months of the operation. One patient died 10 months postoperatively, without evidence of hernia recurrence. Three patients are without evidence of recurrence after 18, 21, and 33 months (average, 24) of follow-up, respectively. Conclusion: In this series, laparoscopic repair of parastomal hernia failed in 56% of patients, all within 6 months of the operation. Although the laparoscopic approach has potential advantages compared to the conventional open methods, the initial results are disappointing. Advances in the technique may improve the early results, and further prospective studies are needed to determine the efficacy of this approach.