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Parastomal hernia (PSH) is a common complication to all ostomies, and all too well known to colorectal surgeons. Up to half of all stomates get a PSH. PSH may present itself as a protrusion or a bulge of the stoma that contains bowel or other content of the abdominal cavity. The symptom load varies from none to debilitating. An unknown fraction of patients with PSH receives correctional surgery. The overall aim of this thesis was to investigate prevalence and treatment of PSH in Sweden, explore whether prophylactic mesh when constructing a colostomy is a viable option for prevention, investigate the health economic impact of PSH and probe into the patient’s own experiences of living with a PSH. The thesis is based on both qualitative and quantitative research. Paper I and III are a randomised controlled multicentre trial, paper II is retrospective audit of the treatment of PSH in Sweden, paper IV is a health economic analysis of colostomy costs and paper V is an interview of survivors of colorectal cancer, with a colostomy and PSH.

The conclusions are as follows: The frequency of PSH surgery was much lower than expected, no specific risk factor could be identified, and perhaps centralisation of surgery should be considered. Most common cause for surgery was cosmetic. Prophylactic mesh in a sublay position don’t prevent PSH but doesn’t seem to add significant complications. PSH cost no more than a colostomy with no PSH, regarding appliances and stoma nurse visits. The common theme of long-time rectal cancer survivors with PSH is coping and a deep sense of gratitude being a survivor.