Post-Hernia Surgery Complications and Stoma Bag Issues

Hi everybody,

I finally got my hernia repaired, which was a godsend, apart from the problems I have now. My hernia was the size of a football, and it took my surgeon 7 hours to do the repairs. I was in recovery for another 8 hours as they couldn't get my temperature, blood pressure, and heart rate to a normal level. I came home from the hospital and was fine apart from the leaks. I was taken back into the hospital as I had a collection build-up. I was rushed down to have a drain put in as my blood was going septic. I had a really rough time, then another hernia appeared, and unfortunately for me, it strangulated the bowel, so it was back to surgery for me. I was finally allowed to come home on 23rd December.

I am having terrible problems with leakage from my bag; the stoma is in a pleat where the hernia was repaired.

I am using Coloplast Mio bags with a Hollister convex corn plaster (that's what I call them). Has anybody got any tips as to what I can try to stop the leaks other than staying constipated, as this just causes pancaking and it pushes it out the side of the bag.

Thanks. Tricia

Have you tried using seal rings that go around the stoma? I use them and they are very good for stopping leaks and protecting the skin directly around the stoma. They are made by Salts Secuuplast mouldable seals. I use the thin version of this and it works a treat. You can ring the company and they will send you samples. Hope this is some help to you, I've never looked back since I started using them. TC, ambies

Hi Tric. Sorry to hear about your leakages. I went through pancaking early this morning but, TG, I woke up in time before the dam burst. Was the surgeon who repaired your hernia the same doctor who built your ostomy? If it wasn't, as I suspect, why don't you go back to your original surgeon and have him/her evaluate the hernia repair. If the stoma isn't properly situated, you are bound to have leakages. Just a possibility. Good luck! PB

I agree with ambies. Try using seals. You can break them up into small pieces and build them up to fill the pleat, but I think, as it's so soon after surgery, you should phone your stoma nurse.

Thanks for your comments. PB, it was a different surgeon who did the hernia repair; his name was given to me by the Hernia Association. He is the top stoma hernia surgeon in our region. He did a fantastic job; the problem is I am overweight, so it folds into my belly. Ambies, I have tried the seal rings, but they didn't work, so I am now trying a convex seal ring but still having problems.

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I know I have been an advocate of these before on here, but have you tried the flange extenders? They just give that extra bit of seal before the leak can get out. Just an idea. Take care JennyI know I have been an advocate of these before, but have you tried the flange extenders? They just give that extra bit of seal before anything can escape. Just an idea and hope that you can find something to help. Take care Jenny

Sorry about the gobble de gook, pressed the wrong button!!!

I have an ileostomy and am also overweight; the only bag system that works for me is the Convatec Natura Stomahesive moldable flange. It creates a turtleneck around the stoma and moves with you. Love it! I also use the Eakin barrier rings; they are great and they don't sting! Hope this helps. Good luck, Nora.

Yeah, I use the Shallow Convex Sensura, but I'm waiting for a hernia repair. Hell, I don't want that happening to me. I have used the stoma collar before too. What about a deep convex? I had problems with that though; it pulled my skin off, ended up with an ulcer, and got an ill-fated reversal, so now the stoma is on the left side, which has the larger of two hernias. Yikes :( All these replies are great. I always think less is best, but I hope you find something that's right for you. xxxx Mooza