Ileostomy Surgery News: “Painful, Peristomal Hernias Can Actually Be ‘A Good Thing,’” says Ileostomy Medical Expert

Ileostomy surgeryexpert Dr. Don J. Schiller says painful peristomal hernias can actually be ‘a good thing’ when they present the unexpected opportunity to live life without a bag. “Some patients say it’s like turning lemons into lemonade,” says Schiller.

He explains: "A common complication of ileostomy surgery is a herniated stoma or peristomal hernia. These painful hernias often require surgical repair.

A little-known surgical procedure known as a BCIR not only repairs the herniated stoma but corrects the painful problem in such a way that the patient no longer needs to wear an external appliance. With BCIR ileostomy surgery,” says Schiller, “you live a bag-free life.’”

Schiller says BCIR is an abbreviation for a type of ileostomy surgery known as the Barnett continent intestinal reservoir, named for the American doctor who developed the procedure that creates a self-sealing internal pouch that temporarily stores waste, yet doesn’t require a person to wear a bag.

Exactly what is a peristomal hernia? Schiller defines the condition as an abnormal opening in the muscles of the abdominal wall.

“A peristomal hernia occurs when the opening made in the abdominal muscles for the stoma tears. The natural effects of coughing, sneezing and straining – as well as the pull of gravity – gradually cause the opening to increase in size. The result is a painful debilitating condition that requires ileostomy surgery.”

Schiller says there are three ileostomy surgery options for repairing a peristomal hernia:

• Repair the damage at the existing site, often using mesh-like fabric to rejoin the muscles.
• Relocate the stoma to the opposite side of the abdominal wall by performing abdominal surgery.
• Or, most dramatically, says Schiller, “Take down the ileostomy by creating the internal pouch with a BCIR – thereby eliminating the need for an external appliance.”

Repairing a peristomal hernia with a BCIR turns a negative into a positive, says Schiller. The BCIR approach really gives patients an unexpected new life.”
“One patient told me life gave him lemons and his BCIR ileostomy surgery turned the lemons into lemonade.”

Schiller says the most satisfied BCIR patients receive long-term personal care from their surgeons. “The patient and physician develop a comfortable relationship. We want patients to ask questions before and after the surgery – and we give further support by staying in touch with their family doctor for years to come.

Insurance is not a concern with a BCIR, says Schiller. “The BCIR is a well-known, approved procedure listed in all surgical procedure code manuals, including Medicare. Managed care networks engage the services of an out-of-network surgeon like myself. While this can take time, even months, my staff has never failed to obtain the authorization. We actively participate in the process.”

For more information on BCIR ileostomy surgeryand peristomal hernias, visit www.ileostomy-surgery.com or call Dr. Don Schiller at the Ileostomy Surgery Information Center. The Center’s new phone number is (310) 204-4565.


Focus: Ileostomy Surgery, BCIR