This topic is about dealing with a parastomal hernia, which is a hernia that forms around a stoma. The person is looking for recommendations for surgeons in the UK who have had success in repairing this type of hernia. Here are some pieces of advice and insights shared by others:
- Low success rate cautions:
- Some surgeons have mentioned that the success rate for parastomal hernia repairs is only about 50%. One person decided to avoid surgery for now, while another is going ahead with the surgery but with cautious expectations.
- Non-surgical support option:
- The Nu Hope Support Belt is now available through the NHS and can be obtained via stoma nurses. Users have found it very comfortable and say it can make the hernia less of an issue.
- Surgical approaches and centers mentioned:
- At John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford, there is a plan for a repair that involves relocating the ileostomy to the opposite side and reinforcing both sites with mesh.
- Another person had a combined colostomy reversal and hernia repair, where the surgeon initially planned to use mesh but ended up using sutures only.
- Selecting a surgeon:
- It's important to ask potential surgeons how often they perform parastomal hernia repairs.
- Request feedback or references from previous patients before making a decision.
- Remember, you have control over the decision, so consider the risk of recurrence and the possibility of needing additional surgeries.