A Comparative Survey of Ostomy Hygiene Habits

WOC nurses teach patients how to manage their ostomy including emptying the pouch, cleaning, and deodorizing. Emptying the contents of an ostomy pouch is a very personal matter that typically occurs behind closed doors. Emptying a fecal ostomy pouch is one of the most difficult tasks a person with an ostomy must learn to cope with. Handling waste can cause an enormous amount of stress and anxiety. Little research has been done on this taboo topic.

            An on-line randomized survey of 78 ostomates and 62 WOC nurses was conducted to assess how individuals with an ostomy empty their pouches, clean the pouch, and deodorize compared to a survey of how WOC nurses teach patients the same tasks. The ostomates revealed that 47% emptied while seated forward, 3% seated facing toilet, 1% seated sideways, 25% standing, 9% kneeling at the toilet, 9% other (such as use of closed pouch or container), and 6% irrigated. Cleaning results showed 44% wipe the opening and close, 38% rinse, and 19% use some other technique such as liners. Deodorant was used by 47% of ostomates. Results varied significantly from the WOC nurses’ teachings; 69% taught to empty seated, 21% taught to rinse the pouch, and 16% taught to always use deodorant.

            The results of this study are educational for the WOC Nurse to recognize that sitting on the toilet to empty is only used by about half of all ostomates. Rinsing and deodorizing appears more important than we realize. WOC Nurses need to learn from those who have ostomies and incorporate this knowledge and experience into our teachings. It is important for WOC Nurses to teach a variety of ostomy hygiene techniques on position, cleaning, and deodorizing so the new ostomate can adapt more easily.