The STOMAPROTECTOR device is designed for people who have a Stoma; which is the result of having had ileostomy, colostomy, or urostomy surgery. Ileostomy and colostomy surgery is a surgical opening constructed by bringing the end of the small or large intestine through the abdomen. Urostomy is a surgical opening into the urinary tract. The point of exiting the abdomen is what is known as a stoma. An ostomy pouching system (also colloquially called a bag) is a medical device prosthetic that provides a means for the collection of the faecal matter emanating from the body.
An abdominal stoma can extend up to 3-4cm from the skin, and while it is not normally painful it can be uncomfortable if clothing or belts are continually pressing on it. This is a particular problem with garments that contain a waistband, e.g., trousers and skirts; because the stoma is usually located in the area where the waistband normally sits. It is also very problematic wearing car and airplane seat belts. It is vitally important that the faecal matter is not restricted in any way from entering into the ostomy pouch, so wearing a waistband or a belt under the stoma can be problematic.
The ostomy pouch is attached to the abdomen by means of an adhesive flange. During the normal course of day-to-day living the wearer walks, sits, bends, etc., which can reduce or loosen the adhesion of the adhesive flange. Breaching of the flange leads to leakage of faecal matter onto clothing and odour issues. This is colloquially known as a “blow out” and is a very common occurrence. The STOMAPROTECTOR device addresses this issue!
There are many products on the market that purport to help protect a stoma. All of the products available are attached to a fixed belt and this has several disadvantages. Firstly, the belt is uncomfortable to wear for any extended period of time, and secondly, the belt is prone to movement; unless it is worn very tight. Movement of the belt can also move the device that protects the stoma, and if it moves any considerable distance, it can dislodge the ostomy pouch, breaking the adhesive seal and leading to a blow-out. None of the available products on the market address the problem of preventing the adhesive flange coming away from the abdomen and causing leaks.
The STOMAPROTECTOR device is designed to solve a number of problems people who have a stoma face on a daily basis.
These are:
- Protection of stoma from pressure and impact.
- Prevention of leaks from the adhesive flange of an ostomy pouch.
- Reducing the number of bag changes.
- Can be worn under dresses/tops, and men’s casual clothing.
- Helping to prevent the problem known as “pancaking”.
- Allowing the wearer to wear most of their normal clothes.
The device is comprised of three separate components, a Baseplate, a Keyhole Plate and a Cover. It is designed to be comfortable and lightweight to wear and can be worn all day. It does not require a fixed belt to keep it in position but uses the construction of the ostomy pouch and the wearer’s underwear or elasticised waistband to keep it in place. This makes it easier for the wearer to use and the ostomy pouch can be emptied without any difficulty.
