Ring-Reinforced Prosthesis for Paracolostomy Hernia

BACKGROUND: The reported recurrence rate after paracolostomy hernia repair, with or without mesh, varies between 47 and 100%. We developed a polypropylene mesh prosthesis with a central opening, reinforced with a polypropylene ring, that can be implanted suprafascially through a mucocutaneous incision. METHODS: The results of a consecutive series of 46 patients with paracolostomy hernia, who were implanted with this prosthesis between October 1988 and November 2000 in 12 hospitals, were analyzed. The mean follow-up was 5 (range 1-13) years. RESULTS: The early infection rate was 4.3%. Two patients were lost to follow-up. The late infection rate was 2.3%. Seven patients (15.9%) developed a recurrent parastomal hernia and were all reoperated. The prosthesis was definitively removed in 10 patients. CONCLUSION: Although implantation of this new prosthesis is not without complications, it offers the lowest reported recurrence rate until now.