OSTOMY PRODUCT KNOWLEDGE

One-Piece vs. Two-Piece

In a one-piece system, the pouch and skin barrier are combined into a single unit. Designed for discretion, these systems offer simplicity and flexibility in a low-profile system. They are available in cut-to-fit and pre-cut adhesive types in drainable, closed-end and urostomy pouches.

In a two-piece system, the pouch and skin barrier are two separate pieces that allow you to change the pouch without removing the skin barrier. The pouch and skin barrier are coupled together with a plastic ring. You can hear and feel the system securely lock into place.

Drainable vs. Closed

Some people with an ileostomy or colostomy may prefer drainable pouches, which can be drained simply by releasing the clip at the bottom of the pouch. You can rinse and reuse these.

Drainable pouches are recommended for ileostomy & colostomy

In terms of convenience, closed-end pouches are designed for one-time usage, which makes them ideal for special occasions and intimate moments, or even for everyday use. Some pouches come with a filter that is designed to reduce odor and gas buildup. There’s no draining or clip to worry about. When you’re ready, you simply remove the pouch, place it into a disposable bag, and discard it.

Closed-end pouches are recommended for colostomy (everyday use for some or special occasions for anyone), ileostomy (special occasions), but are not recommended for urostomy.

Opaque vs. Transparent

Transparent pouches allow you to see the stoma postoperatively and allow patients to watch as they place the pouch over the stoma.

Opaque pouches, of course, have the advantage of concealing the effluent.

Convex vs. Non-Convex

A flat pouching system lies flat on the skin around a stoma. If your stoma sticks out at least an inch from your body, a flat skin barrier may work well to seal the pouching system securely to your body.

The convex pouching system has a curved base like the bottom of a saucer. Therefore, the wafer, faceplate or convex ring curves outward toward the skin. The outward curve presses the skin down around the stoma. This allows the stoma to stick out more to ensure urine or stool empties into the pouch instead of underneath the pouching system.

Why Use a Convex Product?

• Help the pouch stay on longer.
• Stop urine or stool leakage from occurring underneath the pouching system
• Make the wearer feel more comfortable and secure
• Prevent or stop skin irritation caused by frequent leakage
• Improve wear time of pouching system
• Save you time and money

Cut to Fit vs. Standard Size

It is essential for the barrier opening to be the right size around the stoma. Pouches come in various styles:cut-to-fit (you cut to the stoma size), pre-cut, and a moldable option.

Here are tips to finding the correct size opening for the cut-to-fit style:

• Use a measuring guide.
• Find the hole on the guide that fits closest to your stoma without touching it.
• Trace with a pen the selected hole on the back of the barrier.
• Cut the barrier slightly larger than the traced hole. If your stoma is oval, cut a oval shape instead of round.

If you are using a pre-cut or moldable skin barrier, follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for sizing.

Liberty carries a wide range of pediatric ostomy supplies including pouches and accessories form these major manufactures

SKIN BARRIER RINGS AND SEALS are ostomy accessories made of different combinations and formulations of hydrocolloids -- the same ingredient found in most skin barrier wafers on ostomy pouching systems. Some formulations are more resistant to breakdown from heat and moisture than others. They are manufactured without a flange in a variety of inner and outer diameters and thicknesses. Skin barrier rings and seals can be stretched or molded for a customized fit and placed directly on the skin around the stoma or on the back of the skin barrier on a pouching system.

They are particularly helpful to:

• ‘Fill in’ uneven skin surfaces around the stoma
• Create a more snug seal between the skin and the stoma
• Promote and maintain healthy skin around the stoma
• Assist in preventing leakage
• Improve the seal by stretching or molding to create a ‘customized’ shape
• Help extend wear-time of a skin barrier
• Help create convexity

Brands include:

• New!! Coloplast Rings
• Convatec Eakin Seals – Slim and Regular
• Genairex Conformable Rings
• Hollister Adapt Rings – Introducing the New Convex Line
• New!! Safe N’ Simple Integrity Thin Rings

STRIPS - Strips are adhesive throughout, made of solid barrier materials, and available in different lengths and widths. They can be used to fill in uneven skin around stomas, create convexity, or used in place of barrier washers or pastes.

WAFERS/BARRIERS - Wafers are designed to protect the skin around stomas from ostomy output. They have multipurpose uses, are available in several sizes, and can be composed of materials, such as pectin, gelatin, and adhesives.

WIPES/CLEANERS - Skin barrier wipes provide a protective coating on the skin used under solid skin barriers or tapes. They are also used over barrier powders to provide dry skin surfaces and to minimize skin stripping from frequent removal of tapes.

PASTE/ADHESIVES - Barrier Paste is used to protect skin and enhance pouch wear-time. It comes in a tube and is squeezed as a line around the stoma or on the back of a pouch barrier opening. It can also be used to fill in uneven skin surfaces.

DEODORANTS & LUBRICANTS - Deodorants and lubricants are available to ease the care of your ostomy. Products include deodorizing pouch filters and odor eliminator pouch drops, with and without lubricants. Stoma lubricant is also available without a deodorizer and is used during colostomy irrigation.

POWDERS & DECRYSTALS - Powder is used to form a protective, dry layer to moist, irritated skin around stomas. It’s sprinkled onto the affected skin with the excess powder brushed away and can be sealed with water or protective liquid barriers. The skin must be dry before applying solid barriers or pouches.

BELTS - Thin ostomy belts can be applied to pouching systems with integrated belt tabs to strengthen the pouch seal and provide additional security. There are a variety of belt widths and girth options depending on individual needs.

CLAMPS & CLOSURES - Clamps or closures are used on the tails of drainable pouches which are opened and closed during pouch emptying. They are available in straight and curved options.

ESSENTIALS - Individuals have differing needs depending on their ostomy types. Accessory products are available for overall care of ostomies and to meet these individualized needs, such as colostomy irrigations supplies, urostomy care products and Ileostomy gel packets.