Urostomates are prone to parastomal hernias. In this webinar recording, hear from Mr Mohammed Belal, consultant urologist at Birmingham’s Queen Elizabeth Hospital, about how to reduce the risk, and how to manage hernias should they occur.
He is joined by Sarah Russell, clinical exercise physiologist and Gill Thomas, a recent urostomate who has followed Sarah’s clinical pilates programme for people with a stoma.
The webinar was hosted by the Urostomy Association and held on Tuesday 4 February 2025. About the speakers:
Mr Mohammed Belal is consultant urologist at Birmingham’s Queen Elizabeth Hospital.
Sarah Russell is an expert on stoma rehabilitation and exercise with an ostomy. Sarah has over 30 years’ experience as a clinical exercise physiologist, fitness expert, cancer exercise specialist, clinical Pilates teacher and specialist stoma coach. She has worked with thousands of stoma patients and trained healthcare professionals both in her private practice, as a consultant and within the NHS. Having had stoma surgery herself in 2010, Sarah combines her extensive professional knowledge and personal experience to provide a unique perspective and support for her clients through her Ostomy Studio.
Gill Thomas is a recent urostomate. She was determined to recover fitness following her surgery, but was nervous about the risk of hernias. Six weeks post op, Gill found Sarah Russell’s clinical Pilates for people with stomas, and has now followed her programme through from beginners to advanced.
Useful links:
- The Ostomy Studio – Clinical Pilates for people who have a stoma
- Sarah’s collaboration on Convatec’s me+recovery programme
- Sarah’s post surgery/beginners class on YouTube
- Help for hernias – blog by Tammy Temple, specialist stoma nurse
- Report of the Hernia Active Living Trial
