Innovation in Pouch Design to improve Colostomate's Quality of Life

Colostomy formation is a life saving, but also a life changing experience for the ostomate. Altered body image and toilet regime deliver a double blow from which many never completely recover especially since these are linked directly with lack of discretion and privacy. This innovation in pouch design, within the limits of the need to collect waste external to the body, seeks to minimise the negative consequences of the formation of a colostomy as the patient seeks to rebuild their life, and to resume their normal activities.

Colostomy patients may change their pouch 2-3 times per day. With this frequency, the practicalities of the process of pouch changing and the disposal of used pouches both for the colostomate, and to their environment are immense issues.

Poor psychological adjustment and social withdrawal have been associated have been directly associated with the traditional methods of used pouch change and disposal.

Hygiene, discretion and convenience together with a reduction of any environmental consequences in the disposal process are important factors which now must be fully considered in innovative pouch design, in addition to the more traditional requirements of odour containment and performance of filters, hydrocolloid adhesive etc.

An advanced colostomy pouch design will be described, which brings together all of these requirements and also incorporates a toilet disposable liner (an environmental plus). In particular the new design has addressed the requirements of less dextrous or poorly sighted users to allow them to easily separate the liner from its protective outer cover, using a unique attachment system. The overall aesthetics have been selected to provide a more stylish / less utilitarian impression for the user together with a quick drying comfort layer.

Case histories will be reviewed to demonstrate the extent to which this innovative new pouch has dramatically improved the lives of patients.