Risk factors for a parastomal hernia:
(1) obesity
(2) failing to place the stoma within the rectus abdominis muscle
(3) oversized opening in the abdominal wall when making the stoma
(4) strenuous exercise soon after surgery, prior to wound healing
(5) chronic, forceful cough
(6) advanced age
Interventions that can reduce the risk:
(1) exercises to strengthen the abdominal wall muscles prior to surgery
(2) use of mesh during surgery to strengthen the surgical site
(3) reducing body weight if obese
(4) wearing an abdominal support belt when doing heavy lifting or work
