[Parastomal hernias: background, current status and future prospects].

Parastomal hernia (PH) is the most common delayed complication in stoma surgery. Only a third of these are operated on, something which is partly explained by the high recurrence rate observed after repair. The use of prosthetic materials has improved the results, although they continue to be below the ideal. For this reason, it has been proposed that the best solution may be in preventing the PH. Several studies show promising results, with very marked reductions in the percentage of IH, on placing a prophylactic peristomal prosthesis. In this article we present a review of the risk factors associated with PH, a classification of the existing diversity of repair techniques, and an algorithm is proposed for the management of PH, including its prevention. Copyright (c) 2009 AEC. Published by Elsevier Espana. All rights reserved.