Guest blog in plain English: Hernias in children

Eight surgeons came together to review the available evidence on the management of rectus diastasis and produce evidence-based guidelines. Sadly the evidence quality ranged from very low to moderate. Despite this, the team were able to provide nine recommendations, with the strength of the recommendation ranging from weak to strong.

The nine key questions were:

KQ1 What is the definition of RD?

The recent article1 outlined the techniques used in contemporary management of parastomal hernia. Reported outcomes are centred around surgical site complications and recurrence. There is, however, a huge burden placed upon the patient who ultimately has to manage the physical as well as psychological stresses associated with a parastomal hernia. There is growing interest in developing optimal management strategies that take into account patient reported outcomes, that do not simply focus on clinical determinants such as successful operative repair.

Patients with parastomal hernia have worse physical functioning, experience more pain and have lower general health as well as experiencing feelings of negative body image, compared to patients without parastomal hernia2,3. Body image encompasses perceptions, emotions and attitudes a person holds with regards to their own body3. Interventions can be designed to improve perceptions of body image, as well as levels of physical activity.

The Hernia Active Living Trial (HALT) aims to evaluate the effect of increased physical activity on the risk of parastomal hernia development3. Increased levels of physical activity may contribute towards improving overall perceptions of body image and also quality of life.

By embracing innovation, addressing research gaps, and fostering collaboration between surgery, endoscopic therapy, and pharmacotherapy, we can revolutionize how we treat this chronic condition, which continues to affect millions of people.

By embracing innovation, addressing research gaps, and fostering collaboration between surgery, endoscopic therapy, and pharmacotherapy, we can revolutionize how we treat this chronic condition, which continues to affect millions of people.

By embracing innovation, addressing research gaps, and fostering collaboration between surgery, endoscopic therapy, and pharmacotherapy, we can revolutionize how we treat this chronic condition, which continues to affect millions of people.