How to know for sure
A peristomal hernia can occur due to a weakened abdominal wall related to the creation of a stoma during ostomy surgery. If you can feel a lump or a bulge around your ostomy it could be a sign that you have developed a hernia. The hernia can vary in shape and size - from a golf ball to a grapefruit or larger. It can sometimes be visible through your clothing.
If you suspect you may have developed a hernia you should contact your Wound Ostomy Continence (WOC) Nurse to assess the area around your stoma.
I have a hernia - what now?
Hernias are a very common issue around people with an ostomy and it is very rare that hernias cause major issues. It is, however, possible that you will feel some discomfort at the end of the day when your muscles get tired.
You should also be aware that because the shape of your ostomy changes due to the hernia, your ostomy pouching solution will probably not fit as well as previously. This can cause issues such as leakage leading to skin irritation and other complications.
Your ostomy care nurse can help you identify a new pouching solution to help resolve issues before they occur.
Will I need more surgery?
Major complications are rare with a peristomal hernia and in most cases you will not need further surgery. In fact, making key life-style changes such as exercising more regularly or following a more balanced diet will have a more significant and long-lasting effect than surgery.
If you experience symptoms such as severe pain, nausea/vomiting, decreased or no output from your stoma, and/or changes in the stoma color, you should immediately seek medical advice from your physician.
What you can do - and why it matters
There are several actions you can take to reduce the impact that a hernia can have on your life. As previously mentioned, it is not uncommon to feel soreness around your stoma towards the end of the day. Strengthening your core muscles may help reduce the soreness. (See Core 4 programme below)
Weight management is key as being overweight can cause undue pressure and strain around your ostomy.
Use the Hernia Action Plan to keep track
If you want to make sure that you do what you can to reduce the impact of having a hernia, you can download the Hernia Action Plan. The Hernia Action Plan includes exercises from the Core 4 program which are exercises designed to aid your recovery and help restore muscle function in your stomach.
Information from Coloplast Care is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice and should not be interpreted to contain treatment recommendations.
You should rely on the healthcare professional who knows your individual history for personal medical advice and diagnosis.
