Dr. Daniel Gay social preview thumbnailDr. Daniel Gay, DO, FACOS
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Dr. Daniel Gay, DO, FACOS
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General surgery in Boise

Parastomal Hernia

Evaluation and repair planning around an ostomy.

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Understanding Parastomal Hernia

The appropriate approach depends on diagnosis, anatomy, symptoms, health, prior procedures, and personal goals. Evaluation may include examination, imaging, pathology, or coordination with other specialists.

Seek urgent care for severe pain, heavy bleeding, breathing difficulty, rapidly spreading infection, or another emergency.

Comprehensive patient guide

Parastomal Hernia: anatomy, treatment, and risks

This guide supports an informed conversation with a surgeon. Recommendations must be individualized after examination and review of relevant records.

Related anatomy

A stoma passes bowel through the abdominal wall, creating an intentional fascial opening.

Pathophysiology

The opening can enlarge and allow abdominal contents to bulge alongside the stoma.

Diagnosis and evaluation

Examination and CT define the hernia, bowel, stoma function, and other defects.

Medical and nonsurgical treatment

A hernia does not usually heal with medication. Nonsurgical management can include watchful waiting for selected minimally symptomatic patients, activity modification, treatment of cough or constipation, smoking cessation, nutrition, glucose control, and weight or fitness optimization before surgery.

Surgical and procedural treatment

Options include observation, support garments, local repair, mesh reinforcement, stoma relocation, or abdominal-wall reconstruction.

Risks and tradeoffs

Repair risks include bleeding, infection, seroma, urinary retention, injury to bowel, bladder, vessels, nerves, or spermatic structures, chronic pain, numbness, mesh-related complications, recurrence, conversion to open surgery, and anesthesia complications. Risk varies substantially by anatomy and prior operations.

Recovery and shared decisions

Recovery depends on the exact procedure, disease severity, health, work demands, and whether additional treatment is needed. Before treatment, discuss expected pain control, wound care, activity, diet, pathology results, follow-up, and the symptoms that should prompt a call.

  • Ask what alternatives are reasonable.
  • Ask how success and recurrence are measured.
  • Review medications and health optimization.
  • Clarify expected restrictions and follow-up.

Urgent care: Call 911 or seek prompt evaluation for severe or rapidly worsening pain, heavy bleeding, trouble breathing, repeated vomiting, fainting, rapidly spreading redness, or another emergency.

Educational resources

American College of Surgeons Hernia EducationHerniaSurge GuidelinesACHQCContact Dr. Gay’s Office
Related patient questions

Questions about this procedure?

Explore clear answers to common questions from patients across Boise and the Treasure Valley.

Read Our Complete Hernia Surgery FAQ

Prepare for your visit

Bring relevant imaging, pathology, laboratory results, medication lists, prior operative reports, and your questions when available.

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Frequently searched questions

More Questions About Parastomal Hernia

What is Parastomal Hernia?

Parastomal Hernia refers to the condition, evaluation, or procedure described on this page. A consultation helps clarify the diagnosis and which options fit an individual patient's health and goals.

What symptoms or concerns are associated with Parastomal Hernia?

Symptoms and concerns vary by patient and by the underlying condition. New, persistent, worsening, or activity-limiting symptoms should be evaluated by a qualified clinician.

When should I see a surgeon about Parastomal Hernia?

Consider a surgical consultation when symptoms persist, a diagnosis has been made, nonsurgical care has not helped, or you want to understand whether a procedure may be appropriate.

How is Parastomal Hernia evaluated?

Evaluation usually includes a medical history and physical examination. Imaging, laboratory testing, endoscopy, pathology, or other studies may be recommended depending on the concern.

What treatment options are available for Parastomal Hernia?

Options may include observation, symptom management, office-based treatment, minimally invasive surgery, or open surgery. The safest choice depends on the diagnosis, severity, and overall health.

Does Parastomal Hernia always require surgery?

Not always. The need for surgery depends on symptoms, risks, test results, expected benefits, and patient preferences. A surgeon can explain reasonable alternatives.

How should I prepare for a consultation about Parastomal Hernia?

Bring a medication list, relevant imaging and reports, prior operative records, and a summary of symptoms. Write down questions and tell the office about blood thinners, allergies, and prior anesthesia concerns.

What is recovery like after treatment for Parastomal Hernia?

Recovery varies with the treatment performed and the patient's health, work, and activity demands. Instructions commonly address pain control, wound care, diet, movement, lifting, and follow-up.

What are the possible risks of treatment for Parastomal Hernia?

Potential risks vary by treatment and can include bleeding, infection, pain, injury to nearby structures, anesthesia complications, delayed healing, or recurrence. Individual risks should be reviewed before treatment.

When is Parastomal Hernia an emergency?

Seek urgent medical care for severe or rapidly worsening pain, persistent vomiting, heavy bleeding, fainting, fever with worsening symptoms, inability to pass stool or gas, or another sudden concerning change.