Leaks can be frustrating and uncomfortable, but there are several strategies you can try to minimize and prevent them. Here are some tips to help you get a better seal and avoid leaks:

1. Choose the Right Ostomy Appliance

• Size and Fit: Ensure your ostomy pouching system is the correct size for your stoma. Measure your stoma regularly, especially in the weeks following surgery, as its size and shape can change.
• Type of Appliance: Consider if a one-piece or two-piece system is better for your needs. Some people find that a convex flange provides a better seal, especially if they have a stoma that is flush with the skin or retracted.

2. Prepare the Skin Properly

• Clean and Dry Skin: Before applying your appliance, clean the skin around your stoma with warm water and a soft cloth. Avoid using soaps with oils or moisturizers, as these can interfere with the adhesive. Make sure your skin is completely dry before applying the barrier.
• Skin Barrier Products: Consider using a skin barrier wipe or spray to protect the skin and help the adhesive stick better.

3. Apply the Ostomy Appliance Correctly

• Cut the Wafer to Fit: Ensure the hole in the wafer is cut to fit closely around your stoma, leaving about a 1/8-inch (3-4 mm) gap to avoid skin exposure while not being too tight.
• Smooth the Edges: After applying the wafer, smooth it down around your stoma and hold it in place for a few minutes. The warmth of your hand can help the adhesive bond better to your skin.
• Use Ostomy Paste or Rings: Ostomy paste or barrier rings can help fill in gaps and creases, creating a better seal around your stoma.

4. Monitor for Skin Irritation or Changes

• Address Skin Irritation: Skin irritation can prevent the adhesive from sticking properly. If you notice irritation, consider switching to a different product or using barrier wipes or powders specifically designed for ostomy care. Consultation with your healthcare provider or ostomy nurse can help address skin irritation issues and prevent similar problems in the future.
• Check for Product Wear: Pouches and wafers can degrade over time, especially in humid environments or when exposed to sweat. Change your appliance regularly as recommended by your healthcare provider.

5. Consider Output Management

• Control Output Consistency: If possible, manage your diet to reduce excessive liquid output, as this can lead to leaks. Certain foods, medications, or hydration levels can impact stool consistency.
• Empty the Pouch Regularly: Empty your pouch when it’s about one-third full to prevent the weight from pulling on the appliance and causing a leak.

6. Test Different Products

• Sometimes, finding the right combination of products that work for you can take some trial and error. Many companies offer samples, so you can try different types of pouches, barriers, and other accessories without a large upfront cost.

7. Seek Professional Help

• Wound, Ostomy, and Continence (WOC) Nurse: If leaks persist, consider consulting a WOC nurse. They are specialized in ostomy care and can provide personalized advice and fitting adjustments.

8. Use Ostomy Accessories

• Belts or Adhesive Strips: Some people find that using an ostomy belt or adhesive strips can help keep the appliance in place and reduce the risk of leaks.

9. Consider Timing of Changes

• Timing of Changes: Change your pouch when your stoma is less active, often in the morning before eating or drinking, to reduce the risk of leaks during application.

If you continue to experience frequent leaks despite trying these strategies, it may be a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional for more personalized advice. They can help assess any underlying issues and suggest additional solutions tailored to your specific situation.

The D-Ostomy system is created to allow room to avoid overlap of these incisions when an ostomy appliance is placed to minimize pain, leakage, and other complications that can result from an appliance overlapping a wound or scar. In the same way that the straight edge of the D-ostomy appliance can be used to avoid incisions and scars in the immediate post-operative phase, it can also be used to avoid scars, rolls, folds, other dressings, drains, second ostomies, bellybuttons and anything else that may be nearby to your ostomy long term.