Parastomal Hernia Repair: Is There a Minimally Invasive Solution?
"A new hybrid approach offers hope for fewer complications and better satisfaction after parastomal hernia repair."
If you've had ostomy surgery, you might be familiar with a common complication: the parastomal hernia. These hernias occur when abdominal contents protrude through the opening in the abdominal wall created for the stoma. While surgical repair is often the answer, finding the best approach can be tricky.
Traditional surgical methods range from simple fascial repair to stoma relocation, often involving mesh. But these approaches have drawbacks, including high recurrence rates and other complications. This has led researchers to explore new, less invasive techniques that can offer better outcomes.
Now, a new technique called HyPER/SPHR (hybrid parastomal endoscopic re-do/Szczepkowski parastomal hernia repair) is showing promise. This article will explore the HyPER technique, examining its methods and early results to help you understand if it could be a viable option for parastomal hernia repair.
The HyPER Technique: A Minimally Invasive Hybrid Approach

The HyPER technique combines laparoscopic (minimally invasive) and open surgical methods in a unique four-step process:
- Laparoscopic Stage: The surgeon makes small incisions and uses a camera and specialized instruments to visualize the hernia and surrounding tissues. They'll then perform adhesiolysis, freeing the stoma bowel from any internal adhesions.
- Open Stage: While maintaining abdominal pressure, a circular incision is made around the stoma to access the hernia gate. The surgeon then closes the end of the ostomy bowel and prepares the subcutaneous tissue. The hernia sac is carefully dissected and removed.
- Re-conversion to Laparoscopic Approach: A special mesh (DynaMesh-IPST) is placed through the hernia gate and secured to the abdominal wall using laparoscopic instruments and ProTacks™ tacks. The hernia orifice is narrowed to the appropriate size.
- Final, Open Stage with Neo-Stoma Formation: After removing the laparoscopic instruments, the surgeon closes the trocar openings, places drains, and creates a new, matured stoma.
The Future of Parastomal Hernia Repair
The HyPER procedure offers a promising new avenue for treating parastomal hernias. Its hybrid approach combines the benefits of minimally invasive techniques with the precision of open surgery, potentially leading to fewer complications and improved patient satisfaction.
While the early results are encouraging, further research is crucial. Larger, randomized controlled trials with longer follow-up periods will help to definitively determine the HyPER technique's long-term efficacy and compare it to other established methods. Key factors to watch include recurrence rates, complication rates, and overall quality of life for patients.
If you're considering parastomal hernia repair, discuss all available options with your surgeon. The HyPER technique may be a suitable choice, especially if you're looking for a minimally invasive approach with the potential for lasting results. As research continues, we can expect even more refined and effective solutions for this common post-ostomy complication.