Herniated Peristoma Surgery: Success Rates and Risks?

My peristoma is herniated, therefore I have a huge bulge and it looks gross. How successful are these surgeries? How risky are they?

I am June Bug. Please send answers to me. I don't know how to use this except when someone answers my posts. Of course, write your answers for everybody to read; I just don't know how to reach it. So please, whatever information you have, or if you have the same problem, or if you are thinking about having the surgery or had it already, please drop me a line.

Junebug

I was just diagnosed with that as well, like last week! I see the doctor Tuesday and fully intend on having surgery to correct it. If that is what my physician suggests I will let you know what the surgeon says and how my prognosis goes. I have had my ileostomy for 42 years and never had any issues until now so I have been blessed up to this point.

What you have is a parastomal hernia.

Common occurrence for people with an ostomy. I developed a parastomal hernia 4 months after surgery.

Here are the basics: If the hernia is not interfering with the stoma's function or the wafer seal to the skin, it's best to have it checked out by a doctor. Then, if they say the hernia is not causing a problem, live with it.

Surgical repair can be performed. Speak with a surgeon about recurrence rates and infection possibility.

A hernia support belt can be worn to possibly keep the hernia from getting larger.

I wear a belt all the time. I only take it off to shower and when I change the wafer. I'm at 2 years after surgery now, so I've had the hernia for 20 months. The belt has worked to keep my hernia small. But that's just me. Everyone is different.

Perform some online research about parastomal hernia and repair. It really helps when you consult with a surgeon.

Good luck.

Hello June Bug.
My peristomal hernia began before I even left the hospital.
I decided not to have anything done about it and have managed it fairly well over the years with hernia belts and DIY supports.
My decision was partly based on having a friend who died as a direct result of scar tissue growing out of control. The more operations we have, the more scar tissue accrues. For many people this does not pose too much of a problem but for others, it can be fatal.
With any surgical procedure there are always potential risks, so it is best to research the subject in depth before making any decisions.
I look forward to hearing what happens in your case and, whatever, I hope everything turns out okay for you.
Best wishes

Bill

I am having mine fixed in May. Along with three incisional hernias. I don't know what the success rate is for the surgery, but I know that I don't really have a choice in fixing the incisional hernias because one of them involves a loop on intestine and it could strangle my intestines or cause a blockage. So I have to get those fixed, and while in there my surgeon said she'd go ahead and fix my parastomal hernia as well. They fix it with mesh. I hope it's successful. And I hope it's safe. Some on here will tell you stories about what happened to them with mesh and infections and such but it doesn't mean that will happen to you. You have to think positively. Your doctor will tell you what they think is best for you and then they will make a plan to do that. Have faith.

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Normally, a doctor will not touch the hernia unless it is causing problems with your stoma and your stoma output. Other than that, they hate to touch it until necessary.

As others have said, my surgeon advised against doing anything with my parastomal hernia. Recurrence rates are high plus risks of infection, scar tissue causing adhesions, etc.

My ostomy nurse advised a hernia belt. Like BB, I wear it all the time and it seems to help.

Your surgeon and ostomy nurse are your best sources of advice.