An ostomy might leak due to issues such as:
- Improper Fit: The ostomy appliance might not fit well around the stoma, leading to leaks.
- Skin Issues: Skin irritation or damage can prevent the appliance from adhering properly.
- Stoma Changes: Changes in the size or shape of the stoma can affect the fit of the appliance.
- Appliance Problems: Issues with the adhesive or the design of the pouch could cause leaks.
- Output Consistency: A very liquid output or excessive output might overwhelm the appliance.
- Application Errors: Incorrect application of the appliance or failure to seal it properly can result in leaks.
- Nearby anatomical issues: Sometimes, the ostomy appliance cannot seal appropriately due to anatomical issues in the area where the appliance is trying to seal. Such issues can include nearby incisions, scars, rolls, folds, bellybutton, drains, or other ostomies. The D-Ostomy is designed to allow for a satisfactory seal while avoiding these problematic areas.
Reviewing your appliance’s fit and application, ensuring proper skin care, and consulting with an ostomy nurse or healthcare provider can help address and prevent leaks.
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.