Effectiveness of a stoma protector for prevention of stomal prolapse and parastomal hernia

Abstract

           Objective: To investigate the effectiveness of a SP stoma protector to prevent stomal prolapse and parastomal hernia.

           Material and Methods: A quasi-experimental design, (one group, pre-posttest of an intervention group), using a prototype SP stoma protector consisting of a stoma shield and belt, in 16 patients who had stomal prolapse. Data were collected at the university hospital, in Southern Thailand; from January 2020 to May 2021. The stomal prolapse and parastomal hernias were assessed twice, to compare their effectiveness, before using the SP stoma protector at the clinic, and again after a few days follow-up via telephone.

           Results: The sixteen participants, ages ranging from 8-83 years old (median age being 59), were mainly diagnosed with colorectal cancer (87.5 %) and had a loop stoma (81.3. %). From this, 43.8% of them had a BMI > 23, had received emergency surgery (37.5 %), and had a prolapse after surgery ≤ 90 days (62.5 %). After using the SP stoma protector, it was demonstrated that it could prevent the occurrence of stoma prolapse and parastomal hernia. The participants also felt satisfied with the design, with the highest median score =10, followed by the easy to use and quality; including, that it felt comfortable (median score =8.5).

           Conclusion: The “SP stoma protector” was effective in preventing stomal prolapse and parastomal hernia when applied in the short term. Although, it is easy to use and had no adverse effects, the material might require a higher grade of material for further improvement.