Parastomal hernia is among the most common complications after an ostomy. It is a bulge or swelling around the stoma which causes discomfort and pain and makes it difficult to wear an ostomy appliance. A parastomal hernia usually happens within the first two years of surgery but can also occur later.
It happens when your intestine protrudes through a weak spot in your muscle; in this case, the weak spot is your stoma. When a stoma is created, the surgeon brings a part of your intestine out of the abdomen. Because of this incision, the surrounding muscles become weak, giving way to the intestine to occupy more space by pushing through the weak muscle and leading to a parastomal hernia.
Parastomal hernias develop and grow gradually. Symptoms of a parastomal hernia include:
The swelling may disappear when you lie down and reappear when standing or sitting. There are rare chances that your intestine may become trapped or twisted, leading to blood loss. This is known as a strangulated hernia.
Some people may complain about dull pain around the hernia after activity. The shape of the stoma may also change with the size of the hernia, which causes difficulty attaching an ostomy wafer and pouch, leading to leakage.
The surrounding skin may also become tight and fragile, making it susceptible to breaking or tearing while removing the pouch. A peristomal hernia may also affect stoma irrigation. If the hernia increases in size, it may become visible under clothing.
HPFY carries a wide range of high-quality support belts for a parastomal hernia. Some of our top sellers are:
FSA Approved
Made In USA
A comfortable binder that supports the hernia around and adjacent to the stoma. It also protects against abdominal hernia repairs and prevents recurrence. It is made of a polyester and elastic blend and features a durable plastic ring that offers 360 degrees of support to the pouch and wafer.
FSA Approved
Relieves the heavy sensation of hernias and may also prevent hernia development postoperatively. It is made of a 4-way stretchable material that fits body contours and comes with a pocket closure which is simple to use for easy fit, adjustment, and removal.
FSA Approved
Provides adequate support to hernias, bulges, and ostomy appliances. It offers a great combination of comfort and support. Its anti-roll functionality prevents the belt from rolling due to pressure.
Although this is the best option for treating a peristomal hernia, this is only available to those who still have enough healthy bowel left to reattach the open end of the stoma.
A small hernia can be repaired by surgery in which a surgeon opens the abdominal wall to sew muscle and other tissues together in order to narrow or close the hernia.
Sometimes, the existing herniated stoma is closed, and a new stoma is created on a different site. However, a peristomal hernia may develop there as well.
The most common type of peristomal repair. There are two options for mesh – synthetic and biological. Biological mesh is comfortable but expensive. In this parastomal hernia surgery, the hernia is repaired in the usual manner. Then, the mesh is placed either over the repaired stoma or below the abdominal wall. Over time, the mesh incorporates into the tissue around it to create a strong area in the abdomen and prevent hernia recurrence.
Parastomal hernias are painful and may become complicated when they cause trouble attaching an ostomy pouch, causing a messy situation and could also result in skin breakdown. Consult your doctor if you observe any of the above-mentioned symptoms or notice unusual reactions on your skin.
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Akanksha Nigam has been a Health Products For You contributor since 2021. With a Masters Degree in Finance, she began her Marketing career in the banking industry. However, her interest in human ...
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