Role of Prosthetic Mesh in Preventing Parastomal Hernias

Introduction Parastomal hernia is the most common complication related to colostomies. The variability of the diagnostic criteria, the fallow up time and sometimes subclinical dimensions, detectable only with imaging, explain disparate figures cited in the literature (0-58%) (1). The generally accepted rate is around 50% (2). However, several authors consider that actually, almost all patients present parastomal hernia in the long-term fallow up (3).

Prophylactic prosthetic meshes could reduce the incidence of this complication, reinforcing since the beginning the weak peristomal area of the abdominal wall. Existing scientific evidence, although positive, is limited and does not allow to clarify some controversial issues as the type of prosthetic mesh to be used and the optimal position of the mesh in relation to the abdominal wall (4-8).

The use of laparoscopic approach in colorectal surgery is increasing and also sets technical changes to the placement of the mesh. To date, there are some technical notes (9) and two published prospective, observational studies that include patients underwent laparoscopic surgery. In the first study intraperitoneal (10) and in the second retromuscular mesh (11) is used, with encouraging short-term results, but they need more scientific support.

Study Design This is a prospective, randomized, single center, clinical study where the sample is represented by patients undergoing elective laparoscopy assisted colorectal surgery, with the creation of a permanent end colostomy. Patients who accept to participate and are suitable for inclusion to the study will be randomized into one of the two branches consecutively: Treatment A: Conventional definitive end colostomy; Treatment B: Definitive end colostomy reinforced by retromuscular mesh Ultrapro.

Aims Evaluate and compare the results obtained by placing prosthetic mesh to prevent parastomal hernia end colostomy versus realization of end colostomy by conventional technique.

Primary Objective: Compare the incidence of parastomal hernias between groups during the monitoring period.

Secondary objectives: Compare the overall and specific postoperative morbidity and mortality between groups, compare the difference in surgical time between the conventional technique and the prosthetic mesh group, compare hospital stay between the groups.

Definition of parastomal hernia

Parastomal hernia is considered if it happens one of the following situations:

* Parastomal protrusion spontaneously or with Valsalva maneuver, evidenced by observation and palpation, exploring the patient at supine and standing position
* Protrusion of intrabdominal contents through the fascial hole, evidenced by abdominal computed tomography, in cases without clinical evidence of hernia or in obese patient whose exploration is difficult. For the description of parastomal hernias will be used the clinico-radiological classification described by Moreno et al. (12).

Ethical Issues The study is approved by the regional ethics committee. The patients candidates for the study will be informed in person by a surgeon of the team and will receive written information. Informed consent will be obtained from each patient according to the guidelines established by the ethics committee prior to randomization into the study. Patients will be free to leave the study at any time.

To ensure the optimal treatment for patients in each arm of the study, analysis will be conducted throughout the inclusion process to compare the incidence of parastomal hernias, specific morbidity and mortality specific related to the use of prosthetic mesh. If the observed differences were significant, we would stop the study.

Patient Selection Inclusion criteria

1. Patients with colorectal disease that require realization of definitive end colostomy
2. Laparoscopy assisted interventions
3. Interventions intended to radical treatment in case of oncologic pathology
4. Signed informed consent by the patient or representative in case of incapacity

Exclusion criteria

1. No acceptance to participate or inability to obtain signed informed consent
2. Urgent interventions
3. Palliative interventions
4. Lateral colostomies
5. American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) Classification IV-V

Randomization and Statistical Analysis The incidence of parastomal hernia according to the literature is around 50%. Furthermore, according to the prospective randomized studies performed with prophylactic mesh, the incidence varies between 5% and 22% depending on the follow-up period and the definition used (4-6,8,10,12).

In the control group the incidence of the problem is approximately 50% of cases and the incidence in the prophylactic mesh group is about 15%.

With these results, setting the value of the type I error at 5% (α = 0.05), with bilateral approximation and considering an estimated loss of 5% during the fallow up, the number of patients is 30 in each group (power will be above 80%).

In case of meeting all the inclusion criteria and accepted by the patient, randomization will be:

Group A: Conventional definitive end colostomy Group B: Definitive end colostomy reinforced by retromuscular mesh Ultrapro

Randomization will be performed by computer-generated sequence and concealment of the randomization order will be made using sealed opaque envelopes. The technique to be used in each case will be known at the time of the intervention by opening the envelope in order during the surgery.

Actuarial analysis of morbidity, mortality and recurrence index will be performed during the study (every 30 patients included). The analysis will be done by intention to treat and effective treatment.

Technical Aspects In the mesh group, a synthetic prosthetic mesh low weight type Ultrapro (15x15 cm) will be used. It will be placed in a sublay position between the rectus abdominis muscle and the posterior rectus sheath, will be sutured to the posterior rectus sheath with absorbable multifilament stitches. Once positioned and fixed the mesh the bowel will be brought out through a cross cut in the center of the mesh Finally, colon will be fixed by colocutaneous end to end absorbable multifilament sutures.

Perioperative Care Preoperative: Colon preparation, antibiotic and thromboembolic prophylaxis will be carried out in accordance with the standards of the center and will be applied equally in both study arms. In each patient the colostomy site will be marked on the abdomen the day before surgery, by the stoma therapist.

Intraoperative: Anesthesia will be conducted according to the standards of the center and will be applied equally in both study arms.

Postoperative: In accordance with the standards of our center it will be applied in all patients.

Fallow up Monitoring will be realized with clinical controls (after 15 days and 2, 6, 12 months) and with an abdominal computed tomography in the first year.

Expected Results Statistically significant reduction in the incidence of parastomal hernias in patients undergoing elective laparoscopy assisted colorectal surgery with realization of end colostomy reinforced with retromuscular mesh collocation.

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients with colorectal disease that require realization of definitive end colostomy
* Laparoscopy assisted interventions
* Interventions intended to radical treatment in case of oncologic pathology
* Signed informed consent by the patient or representative in case of incapacity

Exclusion Criteria:

* No acceptance to participate or inability to obtain signed informed consent
* Urgent interventions
* Palliative interventions
* Lateral colostomies
* American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) Classification IV-V