🛡️ Understanding Parastomal & Abdominal Hernias

Parastomal, incisional and pelvic hernias are common complications for people with a history of abdominal or pelvic surgeries and especially those living with a stoma. A hernia occurs when part of the intestine or abdominal tissue pushes through weakened muscle near the stoma or surgical site. This can lead to discomfort, bulging, difficulty with appliance adhesion, and changes in stoma function. Several types of hernias can occur — each with its own causes and risk factors.

📋Causes of Hernias:

Parastomal Hernia: when part of the intestine pushes through weakened abdominal muscles around the stoma, creating a bulge that may come and go.

Main Causes

• Natural weakening of abdominal muscles after stoma surgery

• Loop or double‑barrel stomas (higher risk)

• Multiple surgeries or wound infections

• Obesity, older age, smoking, steroid therapy

• Malnutrition, collagen disorders, poor muscle tone

• Pregnancy or a stoma placed outside the rectus muscle

• Increased abdominal pressure (lifting, coughing, sneezing, vomiting)

Incisional Hernia: occurs when tissue pushes through a previous surgical incision, forming a bulge near the scar.

Main Causes

• Emergency surgery

• Obesity or smoking

• Diabetes or chronic illness

• Infection at the surgical site

• Heavy activity too soon after surgery

• Pregnancy or significant weight gain

Perineal Hernia: when organs or tissue push through weakened pelvic floor muscles, often after pelvic surgery.

Main Causes

• Pelvic surgery (especially large incisions)

• Pregnancy

• Pelvic injuries

• Cancer treatments (chemotherapy, radiotherapy)

• Smoking or immunosuppressant use

Although hernias can be distressing, many can be safely managed with specialist assessment, support garments, lifestyle adjustments, and ongoing monitoring.

🛡️ Why Does Hernia Management Matter?

People with a history of abdominal or pelvic surgeries or stomas often face unique challenges when dealing with hernias. Our clinic provides a specialist, nurse‑led service designed to:

• Identify early signs of hernias

• Reduce discomfort and improve daily functioning

• Support appliance fit and wear time

• Guide safe activity and lifestyle adjustments

• Offer garment fitting and referral pathways when needed

Our goal is to help you feel supported, confident, and informed. Hernia management requires careful monitoring to ensure improved quality of life and prevent recurrence.

🛡️ Who Is Suitable for the Hernia Clinic?

✔️ You may benefit from our clinic if you:

• Have a visible bulge around or near your stoma

• Experience discomfort, heaviness, or dragging sensations

• Notice changes in your stoma shape or appliance fit

• Have difficulty maintaining a secure seal

• Those at higher risk are due to surgery type, muscle weakness, or lifestyle factors

• Want advice on prevention, support garments, or safe movement

✔️ You may also benefit if you are at risk of developing a hernia, including:

• Recent abdominal surgery

• High levels of physical strain

• Chronic cough

• Weight changes

• Reduced core strength

❌ You may require a referral to a surgeon if:

• The hernia is causing severe pain

• There are signs of obstruction

• Appliance wear becomes impossible

• The hernia is rapidly enlarging

• There are concerns about stoma function

Our specialist nurses will always ensure safe triage and escalation when needed.

🛡️ What We Offer?

1️⃣ Specialist Hernia Assessment: A comprehensive review of your stoma, abdominal wall, pelvic floor symptoms, and appliance fit. We assess hernia type, size, and impact on daily life.

2️⃣ Support Garment Fitting: We provide expert fitting for:

• Hernia support belts

• Support garments

• Customised abdominal binders

Correct fitting can improve comfort, reduce symptoms, and support appliance adhesion.

3️⃣ Lifestyle & Activity Guidance

We offer tailored advice on:

• Safe lifting and movement

• Core‑strengthening strategies

• Managing cough, constipation, and strain

• Protecting your stoma during exercise

This helps reduce hernia progression and improve quality of life.

4️⃣ Stoma Appliance Optimisation: Hernias can distort the stoma and affect adhesion, and this is why having a professional assessment and tailored advice is a must.

5️⃣ Referral Pathways: If surgical review is needed, we provide clear guidance and referral support.

🛡️ Why Choose Our Hernia Clinic?

• Specialist stoma nurses with advanced assessment skills

• Expertise in parastomal, incisional, and pelvic hernia management

• Evidence‑based garment fitting and lifestyle guidance

• Clear referral pathways when surgical input is required

• Enhanced comfort, confidence, and quality of life

• Compassionate, patient‑centred care