Because Not All Stomas are Round and Not All Abdominal Shapes are Ideal

Purpose:  Ostomy products to  manage oval stomas and abdomens that are not ideal is determined during a patient assessment. This poster will help better understand the option of using an ostomy accessory with an oval shape that can provide varying degrees of convexity for patients with challenging abdominal contours.

Statement of Problem:  Individuals are unique and therefore there are a variety of stoma shapes and sizes. With an increase in loop ostomies performed today, WOC Nurses manage more oval shaped stomas. These stomas often are difficult to pouch as the stomal os is not centered and may require the use of convexity. In addition, abdominal contours are not always ideal and the need for varying levels and degrees of convexity is required to provide a secure pouching system seal.

Summary: Oval stomas that require convexity may be difficult to manage with a presized round opening and the traditional convex barrier with an integrated firm dish.  Case studies will examine patients who require the use of an oval accessory to help modify a pouching system to gain peristomal skin protection and to improve overall barrier seal. These case studies will also illustrate the need to manage difficult stomas and abdominal contours with varying degrees of convexity. The need for soft or flexible convexity achieved with a flat barrier or deeper convexity achieved with an integrated convex barrier.  

Conclusion:  The use of new and innovative product accessories can positively impact clinical outcomes for the patient with a stoma that is not perfectly round and abdominal contours requiring the use of convexity.

The Support of Hollister Incorporated for this project is grateflly acknowledged.