Product Innovation: Ostomy Pouch Odor Seal Improves Quality of Life for Ostomy Patients

Ostomy surgery involves major body changes, resulting in physical and emotional issues.  Among the wide range of concerns frequently expressed in adjusting to living with the ostomy is embarrassment regarding odor with pouch emptying and disposal.  Social events and travel become stressful and intimidating, normal activities are curtailed or eliminated and eventually isolation becomes the new way of life when avoiding situations that may cause embarrassment.

Innovative products facilitate improved quality of life and help eliminate worry and embarrassment, allowing the person with an ostomy freedom to enjoy traveling, hotel stays, visiting friends and relatives, cruising, boating, and camping.   Historically, chlorophyll or charcoal deodorant tablets, taken internally, and ostomy pouch deodorants, mouthwash and breath mints have been used to decrease or eliminate odor with emptying; however pouch disposal remains an odorous problem. Patients report that manufacturer-provided or purchased specialty-disposal-bags conceal pouches for disposal, yet even using multiple disposal bags may not totally mask odor. 

Patients using two-piece closed-end pouching systems, disposing of the pouch portion only, may use an innovative “seal” that closes or seals the pouch completely, totally eliminating odor on disposal.  Even patients with ileostomy or urostomy report success using this seal with disposal of the pouch portion of drainable Velcro-type closure pouches or pouch with clamp left in place, allowing the freedom to change even without a bathroom. 

Knowledge of innovative products is a key to unlocking restraints holding some ostomates hostage, promoting optimal adjustment and return to productive, satisfying lives.   It is essential that WOC Nurses keep abreast of new products to adequately address Quality of Life issues and assist patients find methods that best suit their needs. The reward is seeing patients with fears, and even disgust, progress to return to normal activities and go on to lead productive, active lives.