Hi Mouse, Another member Dona has had the mesh to repair the hernia and it seems to be a success, So I would say she will give a full brief when she logs on. The very best wishes 👍

Hi Mouse. I recently have been asking the same question. I had appts a couple weeks ago for second opinions on rectal stump removal and hernia repair surgeries. I’m still waiting for an official recommendation, but am pretty sure it will involve surgery. 

One of the doctors I met with was a hernia repair specialist. He told us about the different types of mesh, though didn’t say what he would use. I think it would depend on what he found in the CT scan they did. From what he said, synthetic hold well, but is most likely to get infected. Biologic doesn’t get infected, but can stretch with time. He also said they sometimes use human skin mesh, but he didn’t tell us much about that. 

When we met with the surgeon, I expressed my concern about the difficulty of recovering from the rectal stump surgery. She said it is easier that the hernia repair, which is why I came here looking for hernia repair info. The hernia is quite large though, so I really think repairing it is a good idea. It doesn’t hurt all the time, but quite a bit at times. 

From what I saw on the CT scan report, I also have a parastomal hernia, but I don’t know if those are usually repaired??

I expect to hear a plan from them soon. I hope some people do give some feedback about the hernia surgery. Keep in touch!!

My surgeon used mesh during the construction of my ileostomy.  He said that it reduces the chance of peristomal hernias later.  I'm only about 8 months post-op, so too soon to know much about results.  I do have some pain around my stoma when I wake up or when I've been sitting for a long time.  I feel like I have to stretch things out after being inactive for a while.  I'm not sure if this is related to the mesh, or if it is scar tissue.  Things are still settling in down there with my incision and on the inside, so it's hard to tell.    

@glenn-giroir

Thanks Glenn. I also have pain around my stoma when I get out of bed. It goes away once I have stretched a little bit. I don’t have the mesh but I do have a parastomal hernia. I feel like even after 2 years, I am waiting for things to settle down. Hopefully soon. 🤞