Use of Convexity in Ostomy Care

Abstract

Ostomy skin barriers that incorporate a convexity feature have been available in the marketplace for decades, but limited resources are available to guide clinicians in selection and use of convex products. Given the widespread use of convexity, and the need to provide practical guidelines for appropriate use of pouching systems with convex features, an international consensus panel was convened to provide consensus-based guidance for this aspect of ostomy practice. Panelists were provided with a summary of relevant literature in advance of the meeting; these articles were used to generate and reach consensus on 26 statements during a 1-day meeting. Consensus was achieved when 80% of panelists agreed on a statement using an anonymous electronic response system. The 26 statements provide guidance for convex product characteristics, patient assessment, convexity use, and outcomes.

Factors associated with leakage in patients with an ostomy: A cross‐sectional study

“…Preoperative ostomy site marking according to international guidelines (yes = 0, no = 1) 0.10 0.08. 0.12 Ostomy site marked by SCN (yes = 0, no skin (Hoeflok et al, 2017). In this study, one of the three patients needed to change from a flat to a convex skin barrier, which reduced the leakage frequency.…”

“…The need to change from a flat to a convex baseplate was a ‘marker’ because the patient had leakage problems. A convex skin barrier could prevent leakages in low ostomies, especially if its shape, depth, and rigidity fit precisely the ostomy and surrounding skin (Hoeflok et al, 2017 ). In this study, one of the three patients needed to change from a flat to a convex skin barrier, which reduced the leakage frequency.…”

“…Stoma height is one indication of the use of a convex skin barrier. Still, several other factors, such as stoma opening in or below skin level, liquid output, bulges surrounding the ostomy, and body figure also can be indicators (Hoeflok et al, 2017 ; Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society et al, 2015 ). In this study, only 12.5% of ostomies were flush to or below skin level; in 34.4%, the ostomy was 0.1–2 cm over skin level.…”

“…ure also can be indicators (Hoeflok et al, 2017;Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society et al, 2015). In this study, only 12.5% of ostomies were flush to or below skin level; in 34.4%, the ostomy was 0.1-2 cm over skin level.…”

Use of a Convex Pouching System in the Postoperative Period

“…6 Convex pouching systems have been available for ostomy patients for decades; however, their use immediately after surgery is controversial. [13][14][15] Concerns raised by clinicians about the possible complications from the use of convexity in the postoperative period include development of a mucocutaneous separation and pressure injuries. Nevertheless, some clinicians have asserted that convexity is needed in some instances to maintain the seal around a new ostomy, and pouching systems incorporating convexity can be safely used immediately following stoma surgery.…”