Prophylactic stoma mesh did not prevent parastomal hernias.

Abstract

Dear Editor: The article BProphylactic stoma mesh did not prevent parastomal hernias (Int J Colorectal Dis (2015) 30:1217–1222 DOI 10.1007/s00384-015-2293-8)^ by Nikberg and colleagues is an important study that demonstrates prophylactic use of mesh at the time of stoma formation was comparable with conventional method in controlling the morbidity of parastomal hernias. This retrospective study included 206 patients; 187 patients were alive, and all were available for the analysis of parastomal hernia formation after 12 months of follow-up. As the large sample size, the results of this study may affect the decision on whether we should perform the prophylactic use of mesh to prevent parastomal hernia or not. They did great work, but we were confused by one result and thought it might be a mistake. In Table 3, the total number of patients that had been diagnosed as parastomal hernias was 187 by CT and physical examination, 49/115 (43 %) in the no stoma mesh group, 34/66 (52 %) in the mesh group. The percents were all right, but the together patients (181) were different from the forward. We wonder whether the data is correct or there are some possible reasons to explain that.