My friend has colon cancer and wears a colostomy bag. what can he do about a hernia that appeared below the stoma?

See the surgeon: What you are describing sounds like it could be a para-colostomy hernia forming. These can slowly enlarge, cause local discomfort, or cause the colostomy bag not to seal well around the colostomy. Your surgeon should examine if a hernia is forming and if a surgical repair is indicated.

Repair: The only options are observation and surgical repair. In my opinion, the best repair for most cases is a laparoscopic sugarbaker repair. There is a group at case western with experience with this technique.

See a surgeon: Surgery may be indicated. Often it can be repaired laparoscopically. Unfortunately, there is still a high rate of recurrence after surgical repair.

Repair: Surgical repair or observation are the only options. Laparoscopic sugarbaker technique is probably best in most cases.

Stoma Hernia: Patient should be re-evaluated by the surgeon. Determination may be made as to whether or not surgical revision is needed. This may be appropriate if there is difficulty with the colon emptying into the bag due to a large hernia and/or pain. Essentially, re-examination is the first step.