**5.1 Classification**

Parastomal hernias can be classified in four types:


Symptoms patients may experience are pain, poor fitting of stoma-material resulting in leakage of stomal contents, obstruction, incarceration and cosmetic disfigurement. Fortunately, most parastomal hernias can be treated conservatively and surgical intervention is only indicated in 15% of patients with parastomal hernias (Hansson et al., 2003). Recurrence rates after surgical repair are reported up to 76%, and can be explained by the underlying defect in wound healing and collagen metabolism in most patients.
