Deep flexible cone shaped convexity and the challenging abdomen

Wound, ostomy and continence nurses are taught to use convexity with caution. It is commonly suggested that convexity is not to be used in the first few days and weeks post ostomy creation due to concerns of mucocutaneous separation. In the past, selecting a convex appliance typically referred to a one or two-piece rigid convex barrier that helped the flush stoma to become more prominent. Recently, the addition of soft convexity to the market has helped address many ostomy challenges. However, convex appliances now come in a variety of shapes, heights, depths and flexibility. This poster will demonstrate how a flexible cone shaped convexity product was utilized in a six client case study series to prevent ostomy leakage and improve the quality of life for the ostomate with challenging abdominal contours. The case studies will include urostomy, ileostomy, and colostomy clients experiencing decreased wear time despite a prominent end stoma or proximal loop stoma. In addition, the poster will demonstrate how a thorough assessment of the abdominal contours assists in selection of an appropriate deep flexible cone shaped convex appliance (Hoefleck et al). Studies have shown that peristomal skin complications range from 6-80%, for all ostomates resulting in more product being purchased to compensate for leakage; creating a financial burden. By utilizing a deep cone shaped flexible convexity, wear time can be improved and skin breakdown can be prevented which ensures that quality of life is maintained.

Conclusions: Leakage for an ostomate affects not only their quality of life but may also cause skin breakdown, and an increased financial burden. This poster will demonstrate how a cone shaped flexible deep convexity is used to conform to the abdominal contours despite at times having a prominent end ostomy or loop ostomy.