The importance of pouching system barrier fit

Abstract

As ostomy nurse specialists, it is our job to help our patients find a pouching system that provides a secure seal and protects the peristomal skin. The most important part of the pouching system is the adhesive seal, as this provides the security for predictable wear time and peristomal skin maintenance. The two critical choices are the opening in the skin barrier and the shape of the skin barrier. The opening in the skin barrier should match the stoma shape and size and the shape of the skin barrier is determined by an assessment of the peristomal body profile and the location of the stoma lumen and the amount of stoma protrusion. This article is a commentary on the shape of the skin barrier opening and the shape of the skin barrier in the management of the patient with an ostomy.