A giant parastomal hernia in a high risk patient: preparation to make surgery worthwhile.

BACKGROUND

Parastomal hernia (PH) is a frequent and well-known complication of stoma placement. Most PHs are asymptomatic and those who are not are usually well tolerated by patients. Thus, watchful waiting is a common practice. Nevertheless, this management policy is associated with a risk of complications and with an inevitable risk of hernia enlargement, complicating its subsequent surgery. Moreover, PH can affect body image and alter the quality of life.

METHODS

We herein present a complex case of a 67-year-old man with multiple comorbidities, who presented with an uncommon, below knee, giant PH, which was managed in a two-steps surgery by a multidisciplinary team comprising a senior digestive surgeon, experienced in abdominal wall repair, cardiologist, pulmonologist, anesthesiologist, psychiatrist, dietitian and physiotherapist.

RESULT: Treatment started with 8 months hygienic measures comprising smoking cessation, strict control of diabetes and hypertension, a strict diet, and a physical fitness and pulmonary rehabilitation program. Two steps surgery started by colostomy transposition along with pre-peritoneal mesh repair to the right side and the second step consisted of a prophylactic PH repair using a Key-hole preperitoneal polypropelene mesh.

CONCLUSION

PH is a common and sometimes inevitable complication of stoma creation. The success achieved by operating a heavily morbid patient, is only possible through the combined efforts of the multidisciplinary team and a preoperative rigorous management.