Outcomes of surgically managed recurrent parastomal hernia: the Sisyphean challenge of the hernia world

The management of a recurrent (symptomatic) parastomal hernia (PSH) presents a dilemma. The aim of this study was to review the outcome of patients who underwent a recurrent PSH repair. Retrospective review of consecutive patients undergoing recurrent PSH repairs at a single institution between 2010 and 2019. Primary outcome recorded was recurrence. Secondary outcomes recorded were 30-day post-operative complications, surgical site occurrence (SSO) incidence and to assess if EHS classification altered with each recurrence. Thirty-eight patients underwent 59 recurrent PSH repairs during the study period. Median number of PSH repairs per patient from ostomy formation was 2 (2–8). Post-operative complications occurred following 52.5% of repairs. Recurrence rate for all recurrent PSH hernia repairs was 45.7%, with a median follow-up of 58 months (0–115). A trend was seen towards a shorter PSH recurrence-free survival in those who had at least two previous PSH repairs at the start of the study period when compared to those who had less. Recurrence was not associated with operative urgency, type of repair, mesh type or SSO occurrence. A significant decrease in recurrence was seen with retro-rectus mesh placement when compared to onlay (p = 0.003). EHS classification did not change between each recurrence in 70.8% of patients. Recurrence rates after recurrent PSH repair are high. The recurrence-free survival was worse after the second or more attempt at repair for recurrence. Further studies are warranted to explore prophylaxis, optimal repair method, and where re-recurrence occurs, the benefit of repeated surgical intervention.