HERNIA
SURGERY

Stomal hernia only occur after previous surgery to create a stoma. This is a segment of bowel brought out through the abdominal wall to the skin. It is usually done after a major bowel or rectal excision or after bladder surgery.

​

This creates a weakness in the abdominal wall that enlarges with time. The risk of a hernia occurring round a large bowel stoma (colostomy) is high.

​

They usually don't cause symptoms unless something gets stuck inside and because of this often present urgently with pain and swelling.

​

Stomal hernia should be fixed because they will get larger. This is often done by re-positioning the stoma and starting again. But they can be repaired by closing the muscle defect with mesh.

​

This can be done via keyhole surgery or open surgery, which may be needed if the hernia is acute and incarcerated.

​

Keyhole surgery can be used for an elective operation.