Skin Bulge Around Stoma: Is This Normal?

Hi, the skin around my stoma bulges. Is this normal? Is it a hernia? It's not interfering with my appliance so far. I've had my stoma for 5 months. I think I've had this bulge from the beginning. Is the skin supposed to be flat around the stoma? I'm going to see my surgeon in a few weeks for a follow-up.

G-Day AL77,

There is a good possibility you have a small hernia. Take things easy, as it will get bigger before it gets smaller. No lifting, and if you have to sneeze or cough, hold it tight to your tummy. Good luck and let us know how you go.

Regards, IGGIE

It does sound like a small hernia.

Get a support belt and wear it.

I agree with Iggie and Susan. You'll get your answer at your appointment. Is the bulge affecting bag adhesion?

So long as it's not affecting your bag, then it will probably not be fixed right away. Your surgeon may want to keep an eye on it and wait and see. My surgeon didn't even tell me I had a parastomal hernia until I confronted her about it. She said they don't like to tell patients that because they will only worry. Maybe you have a better, more honest surgeon than I do. Make a list of questions beforehand that you want answered. It will help you in the long run. It will get you to know what you need to know.

Living with Your Ostomy | Hollister

Thanks for the feedback, everyone. So far, it has not affected my appliance.

Also, how does the surgeon look for the hernia? Will I have to take off my bag, or will I have to go for an MRI or X-ray to confirm the hernia?

Most likely a hernia, but there is a small chance it could be something else, so get checked out by a doctor to make sure. Keep up with core exercises; even with a hernia, it's important, and you can still lift heavy weights safely with precautions.

If your surgeon is thorough, you will probably have a scan - but the type of scan will depend upon whether the 'hernia' - if that is what the situation is - is still protruding when you are lying down - as most retract upon lying on one's back - and as has been said, often further surgery to correct such protrusions is undertaken reluctantly. It depends upon your situation - a generalized answer is not helpful - but do take precautions, i.e., no heavy lifting, etc. - maintain core exercises to strengthen the abdominal musculature, and see what your surgeon's opinion is.

Welcome to the site - hope you find the support you need going forward - and as has been suggested - make a list of probing questions for your surgeon prior to your consultation so you may elicit the advice you need based on a full understanding.

Good luck,

Best wishes

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Jayne ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

When I lie down, my skin is still bulged. I cannot push the bulge in. Many years ago, I had a groin hernia, and I was able to push it in, and it would pop back out. Maybe it's not a hernia then around my stoma?

A bad hernia will not push in. So it could still be a hernia, but it's not good that it doesn't press in. You'll really need the doctor to look at it.

Mine will press in and naturally goes down when I lay down. My stoma nurse and my doctor both looked at it and said it was a parastomal hernia without further diagnostic testing. However, I am already getting CT scans every 3 months because I had cancer. I think my doctor may be using those instead of ordering a separate scan.

G-Day Al,

I had an MRI, and you don't need to remove the bag. Follow any information you get from your doctor.

Regards, IGGIE

Mine sits on a small "mound" of sorts, and it's not a hernia. I had a reversal, and it was gone. I went back to a stoma, and it is back. It's just the way I am, and I know of others with the same. As usual, run your queries past your professionals.

I have a lump there too. I'm told it's not a hernia but a side effect of the surgery. It causes no problem; it only looks strange. No worries there, I'm long past being nervous about appearances.