Some parastomal hernias may cause serious complications and you should have immediate medical attention if you experience the following:

• severe pain around the stoma
• a change to your output, as in little or no output coming from your stoma
• your stoma has changed colour
• your stoma has started to prolapse significantly

If these occur call an ambulance or go to the nearest Emergency Department.

You may also find a hernia causes the stoma to grow larger, so re-measuring the stoma is a good idea at this point. Adjust the hole in the baseplate or pouch as you need to. If the hernia is affecting your stoma pouch security or your stoma products are no longer working well, arrange a visit to see your Stomal Therapy Nurse.