Pelican 1-piece urostomy

If you are experiencing issues with your pouch not sticking to your skin on application, it is often due to residue from your previous appliances. Your skin should be completely clean and dry to secure optimal adhesion.  Here are some tips that might help:

• The skin surrounding the stoma should be clean and dry before applying a new pouch.
• When cleaning the skin around the stoma, cover the stoma with a tissue to prevent the output contacting the skin.
• Avoid using wet or baby wipes as they can interfere with adhesion.
• Check that the hole in the stoma pouch is the right size.
• If there is a lot of hair on the skin surrounding the stoma – shave it off – protect the stoma with a tissue to prevent causing damage to the stoma.
• Only shave on alternate weeks to protect the skin.

Removing your pouch from the skin can cause damage to the skin on your abdomen. Gentle removal helps to prevent skin stripping.Here are some things to that might help:

• Try to be as gentle as possible when removing the adhesive baseplate and when cleaning the skin.
• Peel the baseplate off slowly, rather than ripping or tearing off.

The skin around your stoma may be uneven due to creases or folds, this can vary from person to person and is common if you have lost or gained weight.

Uneven skin can cause your pouch to not sit snugly against your skin, which may lead to leakages or sore skin.

Creating a flat surface by filling in dips and creases before applying the pouch will help to prevent leakages or sore skin. A flatter skin surface can be achieved by stretching the crease or skin fold before applying a pouch or accessory product.

The term parastomal hernia is used to describe a bulge or swelling on or around your stoma.

Trying to prevent the formation of a parastomal hernia is recommended.

• Try not to lift anything heavy within first 6-8 weeks following surgery.
• If you intend to do any strenuous work when you have fully recovered from your surgery, you should wear a support belt to protect the abdominal muscles.
• Try and commence exercises to strengthen the core abdominal muscles (seek professional advice from physiotherapist).
• The shape and size of the stoma may change due to an enlarged hernia. Measure the stoma regularly to ensure your pouch accurately fits the size of the stoma.
• A more flexible baseplate will achieve a better fit.

A loose/liquid output is more likely to cause leaks and cause you to empty or change your bag more often than you would like.

Medications, a change in diet or an infection can contribute to a change in bowel function.

Some foods to try to help thicken your output and slow it down include, marshmallows, jelly beans or a ripe banana.

Sometimes the first pouch you choose or is recommended to you by the nurse is not the correct pouch for you in the longer term.

If your body shape changes, if you put on weight or lose weight, or you become active – you may need to try alternative pouches to obtain a reliable stoma management routine, this may require input from your stoma nurse.

Any change can affect the performance of the stoma pouch and the security it offers you.  Trying alternative pouches can help to achieve a secure reliable stoma routine.

Use your measuring guide once a week to measure the size of your stoma and cut your pouch to the most appropriate size.  An accurate cutting template will help to prevent many skin and leakage problems.

If the hole is too big, the skin around the stoma will be exposed to the output and at risk of skin damage.

If the hole is too small, the pouch will not adhere securely to the skin.