Quality of life and parastomal hernia repair: the PROPHER study

Excerpt

Parastomal hernia (PSH) is a common complication of having a stoma, and the risk of developing one remains lifelong. It is unknown how many patients go on to develop a parastomal hernia after index surgery as patients are often not followed up for long enough to assess whether one develops. Two basic options for PSH treatment exist and have been well covered in the literature. Watchful waiting is the commonest strategy, but the risk versus benefit balance is currently unknown. PSH can increase in size over time, and more complex surgery may be needed if a PSH progresses. Surgical repair is the other main option, but it is very clear that we do not yet know the best way to repair a parastomal hernia, let alone the best surgical options for a recurrent one. Reported success rates for PSH repair vary considerably, and there is no consensus on what constitutes a victory—is it from the patient’s perspective or the surgeon’s? …