Living with a parastomal hernia

Abstract

There are approximately 102 000 people in the UK living with a stoma ( Herlufsen et al, 2006 ) and the incidence of parastomal hernias in stoma patients is estimated to be as high as 50% ( Raymond and Abulafi, 2002 ; Williams, 2003 ). Therefore, a clearer understanding of the problems faced by stoma patients during diagnosis and treatment could enable health professionals to anticipate their patients’ needs and customize their care and management more effectively. In this article, Caroline Cowin and Caroline Redmond present a research study among UK patients in which Salts Healthcare sought to improve understanding of the experiences of patients living with a parastomal hernia. The type and severity of problems reported from initial diagnosis, through to treatment and subsequent management is described and quantified.