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Illustration of an ostomate holding their abdomen in pain, depicting discomfort related to hernias.

Understanding Hernias and the Role of Ostomy Belts & Abdominal Support Devices

Written by: Aditya Agarwal

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Published on

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Time to read 2 min

Living with an ostomy comes with its own set of challenges, and for many of us, hernia prevention can add an extra layer of complexity to our daily lives. 


At Suportx, we're here not just to provide ostomy belts, but also to arm you with the knowledge you need to tackle these hurdles head-on. 


Recently, in collaboration with Medical Monks, our trusted partners in the USA, we hosted a webinar delving into the world of hernias, prevention strategies, and the role of ostomy belts.

For ostomates, hernias can be an unwelcome companion on our journey. These occur when an internal organ pushes through weakened muscles or tissue, causing a visible bulge. 


Whether it's due to the surgery itself or the strain of living with an ostomy, hernias can be a common occurrence for many of us. 


The prevention of hernias is crucial, especially for those living with an ostomy, as it can directly impact our quality of life.

Strategies to Prevent Hernias

Preventing hernias requires a proactive approach. As ostomates, we must be mindful of activities that could exacerbate the risk, such as heavy lifting or straining during bowel movements. 


Maintaining a healthy weight and incorporating exercises that strengthen the abdominal muscles can also help reduce the likelihood of hernias or manage existing hernias better.


Ostomy support belts and wraps are also another available tool in prevention, offering the necessary support to reduce strain on the abdominal area.

The Role of Support Garments in Preventing Hernias

Support garments, such as ostomy belts and hernia wraps, are made to support an existing hernia and assist in the prevention of the herniation process. 


These specialized garments provide targeted support to the abdominal area, helping to alleviate discomfort and prevent hernias from worsening. 


For ostomates, choosing the right ostomy support belt can make a significant difference in managing daily activities with greater confidence and comfort.

Insights from the Webinar: During our recent webinar with Medical Monks, insights into hernias, prevention, and the role of support garments for ostomates were shared based on existing research. 


Our webinar also provided insights into Suportx’s existing range of ostomy support garments and advice on choosing the right garment to meet individual needs and lifestyles.

We invite you to watch the recorded webinar to gain further insights into the management of hernias and discover the range of Suportx support garments available to support your needs.

Remember, you're not alone on this journey. At Suportx, we're here to support you every step of the way. 


Stay informed, stay empowered, and let us be your partner in living life to the fullest.

REFERENCES:


  1. Davis, B.R., Valente, M.A., Goldberg, J.E., Lightner, A.L., Feingold, D.L. and Paquette, I.M., 2022. The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons clinical practice guidelines for ostomy surgery. Diseases of the Colon & Rectum, 65(10), pp.1173-1190.
  2. Franz, M.G., 2008. The biology of hernia formation. Surgical Clinics of North America, 88(1), pp.1-15.
  3. Hubbard, G., Taylor, C., Munro, J., Dames, N., Goodman, W., Oliphant, R. and Beeken, R., 2019. Experiences of support garments following bowel stoma formation: analysis of free-text responses in a cross-sectional survey. BMJ open gastroenterology, 6(1), p.e000291.
  4. Martin, L. and Foster, G., 1996. Parastomal hernia. Annals of the Royal College of Surgeons of England, 78(2), p.81.
  5. Randall, J., Lord, B., Fulham, J. and Soin, B., 2012. Parastomal hernias as the predominant stoma complication after laparoscopic colorectal surgery. Surgical Laparoscopy Endoscopy & Percutaneous Techniques, 22(5), pp.420-423.
  6. Taylor, C., Munro, J., Goodman, W., Beeken, R.J., Dames, N., Oliphant, R., Watson, A.J. and Hubbard, G., 2019. Experiences of wearing support garments by people living with a urostomy. British Journal of Nursing, 28(22), pp.S26-S33.
  7. William, 2022. Are Hernia Belts Effective? | Department of Surgery | Washington University in St. Louis [online]. Available at: https://surgery.wustl.edu/are-hernia-belts-effective/.