A glance through ostomy supplies

A surgically created opening through the abdominal wall in order the discharge of bodily wastes is called ostomy. There are various types of ostomies performed, which are distinguished by organ that connects to the outer wall, say colostomy, ileostomy, and urostomy. Whatever might be the type, proper ostomy wound management is vital. In this article, we discuss about the various convatec ostomy supplies available today.

When we say ostomy supplies, it directly means ostomy pouching systems. They are meant to collect the body wastes from the surgically created opening. Basically, an ostomy pouching system is comprised of two parts, namely a base plate/wafer and a collection pouch. The base plates of ostomy pouching systems are made of organic materials like pectin. As every individual has different anatomy, these base plates come in varied sizes. Here, one needs to pay attention in choosing the internal opening, as the imperfect size would lead body wastes to come in contact with the skin. As pre-cut sizes are on tap, one can easily choose the right size, or else, can make a customized opening.

In pouches, you have one-piece and two-piece systems with drainable (open end) and closed end to choose from. The drainable pouches usually come with a re-sealable end, which are attached via a plastic clip or Velcro. The user can open the pouch and discharge the content. In case of closed-end pouches, the user needs to replace a new pouch after every use. They are ideal for colostomates who can irrigate or patients with regular elimination patterns.

In two-piece pouching systems, the base plate is attached to the skin, whereas in one-piece systems, the entire unit inclusive of skin barrier has to be changed as the pouch and barrier are joined together to form one unit.

Irrigation systems, one of the ostomy supplies, comprises of an irrigation bag with a catheter (a connecting tube), an irrigation sleeve, and a stoma cone. They are mainly used by colostomates to clean stool from the colon through the stoma. In order to protect the stoma, stoma cap and a pouching system can be used after irrigation.

One- and two-piece urinary pouching systems are used by urostomates, which feature a special valve to connect a leg bag or to a night drain tube.

Though, these are the major types of ostomy pouches, you can find them in varied styles available with a medical equipment supplier. To make their usage effortless, a range of accessories are also on offer, like convex inserts, pouch covers, ostomy belts, skin barrier paste, tapes, adhesive removers, and skin barrier liquid/wipes/powder.

You might have numerous options, but while choosing an ostomy pouch, you have to ensure that it perfectly suits your needs.