Stoma Wafer Cleaning

There are three common types of ostomy surgery; each is characterized by a redirection of waste removal from your body through an opening in your abdomen (a stoma). Colostomies and ileostomies are performed due to serious illness or disease of the gastrointestinal tract. Urostomies are performed due to bladder disease. The resulting opening in your abdomen is called a stoma and it requires care to keep the surrounding skin healthy.

Importance of Proper Stoma Care

• After an ileostomy or colostomy, you are not able to control your bowel movements. Bowel movements now occur through the opening in your abdomen (the stoma), which is connected to a pouch system to collect the waste material. Urostomies leave you unable to control your urination; this now takes place through your stoma.

  Properly fitting your pouch to your stoma is important to avoid irritation and any potential leaks. The stoma wafer is a crucial component of the pouch system, which forms an effective barrier between your skin and the stoma output that otherwise may create skin problems. Medical supply companies offer varying sizes and a choice of a one-piece ostomy system (wafer and pouch in one) or a two-piece system with the wafer and pouch as two separate components. According to Hollister Inc., your pouch should be emptied when it is between one-third and one-half full to avoid too much weight on the adhesive.

Changing your Ostomy Pouch

• Changing and cleaning your stoma wafer and pouch on a regular basis (approximately every three to seven days) is important to prevent odor, check the stoma itself and to maintain healthy skin surrounding your stoma. Many ostomy patients choose to do so in the morning, before eating or drinking (when the stoma's output is likely to be very little or nothing).

  First, thoroughly wash your hands. Your pouch system should include a measuring guide so that you can trace the properly sized opening onto the new pouch. Cut out the correct opening and remove the paper backing, exposing the adhesive. Lay this with the adhesive side facing up while you continue.

  To remove your old wafer, you will need to apply pressure on your abdomen with one hand while peeling the pouch off with your other hand. Take the clamp off and reserve it to use with your new pouch.

  Using mild soap and warm water, wash around your stoma. Then rinse and dry the area completely, being sure that there is no residue from the wafer on your skin. If you have any hair in the area that the wafer sticks to, you may want to remove it.

  Examine your stoma. It should be pink or red. If you notice that it has changed to white, black or purple, notify your surgeon immediately. If you notice any cuts or abrasions, you may need to readjust the size of the wafer that you are using.

  If you notice rashes, redness or swelling in the skin around your stoma, you should contact your doctor. Skin infections can happen due to moisture accumulation, bacteria or yeast accumulations.

  Now center your new wafer or pouch's opening over your stoma and press the stoma wafer firmly to your abdomen, ensuring a smooth seal.