Prevention of Parastomal Hernia Using Pre-peritoneal Mesh - Long Term Outcome of a Prospective Study.

BACKGROUND: Parastomal hernia is a frequent complication after stoma formation. The objective of this prospective study was to find long-term outcome of prophylactic mesh placement in the pre-peritoneal space in order to prevent parastomal hernia.

METHODS: Patients undergoing elective formation of permanent stoma were included in the study. A polypropylene mesh was placed in the pre-peritoneal space without any anchoring stitches and bowel was taken out through a central circular hole made in the mesh. These patients were followed up for 5 years-by clinical examination and CT scan when needed.

RESULTS: A total of 42 patients were included in the study. These patients were followed up for a median period of 60 months (range 32-100 months). Twelve patients died before the 5-year follow up due to causes unrelated to stoma. As two patients were unable to be contacted, 28 patients remained in the long-term follow up. Three cases of parastomal hernia were detected after 5 years. None of these patients required repairing of the parastomal hernia. However, a previous study conducted 3 years ago found 4 cases of parastomal hernia that was treated by resiting the stomas. Therefore the total number of parastomal hernia detected in our series is 7 (incidence 25%).

CONCLUSION: Putting a pre-peritoneal polypropylene mesh is an easy, quick and inexpensive method, and easy to learn. The outcome is better than creating stomas without mesh, but further studies are needed to explore potential benefits of different types of mesh and their methods of positioning and anchoring.