TYPE: New Zealand Research Study
STATUS: In recruitment
GCF CONTRIBUTION: $5,304.00

Parastomal hernias are common complications following bowel cancer surgery with the formation of a stoma. These occur when abdominal contents protrude through the abdominal wall at the stoma site. Hernia symptoms can include pain, bulging, leakage, skin irritation, difficulty fitting the stoma, and occasionally life-threatening complications. The main treatment is surgical repair – but unfortunately, the rate of hernia recurrence is high.

Stoma guards and supportive devices can provide support to the abdominal wall around the stoma site, reducing symptoms associated with hernias, and possibly the need for surgery.

The aim of this project is to 3D print a tailored stomal guard to improve quality of life, reduce pain, and the risk of surgical intervention. By focusing on managing parastomal hernias, and subsequently reducing the need for surgical interventions with a customized parastomal hernia halt, this study will directly contribute to reducing symptoms, improving the quality of life for patients, may reduce the demand for surgery (which has a high recurrence rate) and will contribute to a more efficient allocation of healthcare resources.