When looking at Ostomy care it is important to remember that at a safe and clean seal needs to be maintained throughout the length of the Ostomy. It is also important to keep certain rules in mind for when you are purchasing the different products you may need. Both the skin and stoma involved with the Ostomy need to be protected, both from stool and from the products being used. Patient dignity, simplicity and minimizing cost are also things that need to be considered when purchasing products.
Certain wash systems are available for cleaning the pouches. One of these products is called an Ostowash. It connects to the toilet, in which modifications will have to be made. A splitter from the waterline needs to be incorporated, but allows an ease of cleaning and disposal of waste directly in the toilet. It also needs to mounted on the wall so it can be moved into place when necessary.
Concerns for this system include the obvious visibility of the system which can expose an individuals condition when someone uses their bathroom. There is a also a large expense incurred when the system is installed, which is comparable to the price of a refrigerator. The lack of simplicity in the process may cause people to stop using traditional methods when emptying or cleaning their bag outside of home, which could lead to limiting activities outside of the home.
It is unclear the impact the Ostowash system will have over time on the ostomy pouch, and the cost effectiveness is also unclear. It boils down to whether pouch use and replacement will be more expensive than the cost of the Ostowash system and the cleaners that go along with it.
The Stay-Dry Pro-Pump is a sleeve that covers the abdomen which is similar to other sleeves that cover casts or bandages during the bathing process. It slips over the Ostomy pouch and then air is taken out with a pump, which creates an airtight seal. It does take hand strength to get the sleeve initially into place and to release the airtight pressure for sleeve removal.
The sleeve does not allow for the use of a pouch during stoma function. So if someone has frequent stoma function then this product may not be a good fit. It is also uncertain how the sleeve will look underneath a swimsuit. For people that swim casually or are concerned about bathing, a pouch can withstand both those activities and can be dried with a hair dryer or a towel. Active water activities or long periods in a hot tub are situations when a sleeve may be needed.
Osto-EZ-Vent is a simplified plug for individuals to release gas buildup in their pouching system. It is a plug that is attached to the top of a pouch and is taped in place so that it lasts as long as the life of the pouch. There are no filters, just a simple open and close process. Security of the plug, if there is an abundance of pressure in the pouch, has not been established.
The comfy drive is a pad that slips over the seat belt if the seat belt rests on the stoma. Clothes should provide enough padding, but if there is additional concern, this pad can be added.
