A 50-year-old woman, Amelia from Birmingham, had recently returned to her normal daily routine following stoma surgery. Months later, she discovered a bulge forming beside her stoma.
Like many individuals, uncertainty was felt about whether the change should be ignored or taken seriously. Although pain was not felt, a sense that something was not quite right remained.
Across the UK, this situation is commonly experienced, and such a bulge is often recognised as the first sign of a stoma hernia, also referred to as a parastomal hernia.
The word stoma comes from the Greek, meaning “an opening.” A stoma is created surgically to assist the body’s functions of the digestive and urinary systems.
A hernia is a condition in which internal organs of the body protrude through a weakened area in the surrounding muscle wall or tissue. As a result, a soft bulge may be formed.
Hernias develop in several parts of the body, including:
Research by the NHS shows that hernias most commonly develop after surgery, especially in cases involving the abdomen.
A weakness in the abdominal wall around the stoma opening, resulting in a bulge, is known as a stoma hernia or parastomal hernia.
Several contributing factors are commonly identified:
Even after a perfect surgery, there are still chances of a stoma hernia. Over time, changes in muscle strength and internal pressure can result in the development of a hernia.
A stoma hernia develops gradually; its symptoms may not be noticeable and can vary from person to person. Early signs are subtle and are only recognised over time.
The following symptoms are commonly found:
Research has indicated that 75% of people with a stoma hernia experience complications such as pain, leakage, and skin irritation in the abdomen.
People are often more concerned about unpredictability, leakage, and managing the condition in social and daily life, rather than pain itself.
Around 30-50% ostomates (people who have had a stoma surgery) have a stoma hernia within the first two years or later. Stoma hernia grows gradually and differently, and is mostly manageable. If you neglect your condition, complications may arise.
The following warning signs should be carefully monitored:
People with a stoma hernia experience increased anxiety and difficulty with daily activities and independence. Ignoring these risk factors may worsen the situation, and in the worst case, you will need to be admitted to A&E.
Stoma care places a significant demand on NHS resources. Recent UK data suggests that spending on stoma and continence products alone is estimated at around £350 million each year, with additional costs arising from complications and ongoing care needs.
The treatment approach for stoma hernia differs from person to person, considering how severe the condition is and its effects on daily lifestyle. Most stoma hernias do not require immediate surgery.
Surgical treatment is often not suggested to older people due to the increased risks associated with anaesthesia. Even after surgery, a stoma hernia may recur. Instead, symptom management is recommended.
Non-surgical Management for stoma hernia:
If you cannot manage a stoma hernia with non-surgical treatments and the first-line measure fails, or your condition becomes severe, you should consult with your GP.
To repair the stoma hernia, the surgeon will suggest either.
The choice of surgery is proposed by the surgeon after considering the patient’s overall health, age, and severity of the hernia. Surgery does not guarantee permanent resolution, as recurrence of the hernia may still occur.
For people like Amelia, the first moment of noticing a change can feel uncertain, and experiencing symptoms mentioned above, reassurance and support can be provided through specialised stoma care services.
In Wolverhampton, Secure Healthcare Solutions is a healthcare company offering care and support, including dedicated stoma care services, to patients at every stage of their journey.
These services typically include:
Through professional guidance, individuals are supported in managing their condition effectively and are encouraged to regain control over their daily lives.
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