Question:
I am a Biomedical Engineering Master’s student from the University of Galway, and as part of my thesis, I am researching Parastomal Hernias.
I recently read an article on your website titled “Exploring the Debate on Hernia Support Belts: To Hole or Not to Hole” by Yaser Nadeem (Jan 2020). The article mentions that hernia support garments with a hole might actually worsen the progression of parastomal hernias (“The concern is that belts with holes might exacerbate the hernia issue they are meant to address.”).
This is one of the key questions I am trying to answer in my thesis. I was wondering if I could get in touch with the author to learn more about whether there is clinical evidence or scientific research supporting this claim.
Answer:
Parastomal hernia management is a complex topic with limited scientific evidence available. The hole vs. no-hole belt debate has been ongoing for many years.
Here are some key considerations regarding hernia belts:
Belts with a Hole: Potential Concerns
- A prolapse is technically a form of parastomal hernia that occurs through the stoma itself. Some surgeons believe that wearing a belt with an opening may worsen the condition by placing additional pressure on the abdomen, potentially leading to increased bowel prolapse.
- Many hernia belts with openings on the market have soft openings that provide minimal support to the hernia or the abdominal muscles around the stoma. This lack of support could contribute to hernia progression rather than prevention.
- I have personally seen many parastomal hernias develop in individuals using these belts, leading to frustration among patients who believed they were using the correct support device.
Belts Without a Hole: Challenges
- Colostomy patients may experience pancaking and appliance leaks unless output is properly regulated.
- Ileostomy patients may have better success with a no-hole belt, but some still experience leaks or belt rolling at the back.
- There is no single perfect belt, as individual experiences vary.
Lack of Regulation & Standardization
- There are no clear regulations on what defines the elastic support level of hernia belts.
- Companies manufacturing these belts do not disclose their internal guidelines on support classification, making it difficult to evaluate their true effectiveness.
The Best Approach to Parastomal Hernia Prevention
- Belts alone cannot prevent parastomal hernias. Instead, strengthening the core muscles with the guidance of a physiotherapist is essential for long-term management and prevention.
Answered by:
Lauren Wolfe RN, MClSc-WH, CWOCN
laurenwolfeconsulting@gmail.com
Nurse specialized in Wound Ostomy and Continence
The post The Debate on Hernia Support Belts: Do They Help or Harm Parastomal Hernias? first appeared on Ostomy Canada Society.