The laparoscopic repair of parastomal hernias

Abstract

The parastomal hernia is a very common complication after the creation of any ostomy [1]. Although it is generally believed that most patients with parastomal hernias do not suffer from symptoms, the contrary could be clearly shown in a recent publication [2]. In fact, more than 80 % of the patients with a clinically detectable hernia have problems that interfere with their daily activities because of the hernia. Today the repair should include the use of non-resorbable meshes. Nevertheless the results of clinical studies are discouraging because of recurrence rates between 10 and 50 % and a substantial frequency of wound complications [3]. However most studies only contain a limited number of patients and therefore do not allow definite conclusions.