The Journal of Stomal Therapy Australia - Australian Association of ...

Reasons For Choosing The Convex Appliance
• ConvaTec’s Surfit - Plus Durahesive® convexity appliance
system was chosen as the unique turtle necking effect of
the wafer ensured a snug fit and secure seal around the
stoma, minimising peristomal skin exposure and promoting
peristomal skin healing.
• Pre-cut size was chosen for ease of use and to further simplify
stoma management.
• The design of the flexible Durahesive convexity wafer
provided appropriate contouring to the abdomen and created
a secure seal.
• The large surface area of the hydrocolloid wafer with the
taped edges reinforced skin adhesion and added security.
• ConvaTec’s high output pouch effectively contained the
large amounts of effluent, preventing the pouch filling too
quickly and thus allowing Ms H plenty of time to reach a
toilet to empty it.
• The tap on the ConvaTec high output drainable pouch
allowed an overnight drainage bag to be attached, which in
turn minimised sleep disturbances by not having to empty
the pouch.
• When changing the wafer, adhesive removers ensure
atraumatic removal of the wafer.
• Before applying a new wafer, a protective film wipe was
applied to improve barrier adhesion, prevent risk of allergic
skin reactions occurring from the wafer and to act as a
moisture barrier.
• Ms H was encouraged to wear an ostomy belt and hernia
support pants for increased security 5 .
References
1. Lyon CC, Smith AJ. 2001, Abdominal Stomas and Their Skin Disorders
– An Atlas of Diagnosis and Management. UK:Martin Dunitz, 2001.
2. United Ostomy Associations of America Inc. Accessed 13 August
2006 www.uoa.org.
3. Shah S. Management of ileostomy and other GI fluid losses, New York:
Kings County Hospital, 2005.
4. University of Michigan, Dehydration Prevention Teaching.
Accessed 10 August 2006 www.med.umich.edu/1libr/aha/
dehydration%20handout.pdf.
5. Hampton BG, Bryant RA. 1992, Ostomies and Continent Diversions
Nursing Management. USA:Mosby Year Book, 1992:31-100.
• The superior adhesive properties of the Durahesive wafer
ensured an extended wear time allowing appliance changes
to reduce to once daily instead of several times daily, creating
a more manageable routine of stoma care for Ms H.
The Outcome
• The ConvaTec Sur-fit convexity appliance provided
a secure pouching system preventing skin irritation and
erosion from the pooling of effluent on the peristomal skin.
• No leakage problems were evident and the peristomal
skin was protected
• The effectiveness of ConvaTec’s Sur-fit appliance system
helped to boost Ms H’s self-esteem, enabling her to develop a
trusting relationship with her stomal therapy nurse and thus
creating a positive learning environment with developing
confidence to self-manage her ileostomy care.
Photo 1 Assessment of stoma and peristomal skin prior to selecting
appropriate appliance.
Hints And Tips
• To create a level pouching system by filling in the moat
to achieve the correct degree of convexity around the
peristomal skin, barrier seals (Eakin Cohesive® Seal) and
paste (Stomahesive® Paste) were applied on the back of the
wafer.
Photo 2 Assessment of abdominal
contours to determine most appropriate
appliance required.
• Prior to applying a new wafer, powder (Stomahesive) was
applied to the broken peristomal skin areas to minimise
further skin damage and to promote healing of the peristomal
skin.
JOURNAL OF STOMAL THERAPY AUSTRALIA 2007 27(3) 23