INTRODUCTION: Developing a parastomal hernia can lead to emergency surgery and cause discomfort. Placing a pro-phylactic mesh around the ostomy may potentially prevent hernias from developing. Randomised clinical trials and reviews have reported contradictory results from this prophylactic procedure with different rates of hernias and success. This descriptive cohort study aimed to investigate the rate of parastomal hernia after applying prophylactic mesh in patients undergoing surgery for rectal cancer.

METHODS: In the period from 2010 to 2016, we included 133 patients who had a permanent colostomy with prophylactic mesh placement due to rectal cancer. The patients were seen in the ostomy ambulatory at least three times annually, and bulges and hernias were registered by a trained nurse. Computed tomography was used for verification of parastomal hernia. Data were registered retrospectively from patient files.

RESULTS: After a median follow-up of 22 months, 24% of patients developed a parastomal hernia. Development of parastomal bulge without a subsequent hernia diagnosis was seen in 21%. The one-year rate of parastomal hernia was 9.7%.

CONCLUSIONS: This cohort study supports the thesis of a low short-time rate of parastomal hernia in patients who had a prophylactic mesh placed during the ostomy formation and indicates that the rate of hernia increases over time after the first post-operative year.

FUNDING: none.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: not relevant.