Tips for Using Flat Wafer with Small, Convex Stoma

Recently had a diverting loop ostomy due to rectal cancer. My stoma is very small, convex, and so close to my belly button that it's been very hard to get a proper fit. The convex wafers, even the smallest one, are too big. Tips from anyone on using a flat wafer would be greatly appreciated.

Seems your stoma should have been positioned better by the surgeon. It's going to be hard sealing a wafer so close to the navel. Even skin folds and wrinkles interfere with wafer adhesion. Hopefully someone on this site knows a way to help you. If you continue to have trouble, you should consult a surgeon about revision surgery. Doctors can easily reposition the stoma.

Hello RLD - Perhaps you could try filling your belly button with paste to get a smooth surface, then apply the wafer. Best, Bryce

If you find a wafer/flange that will fit, you could try to cut it offset so it is away from your belly button.

You use a barrier ring?

I was having trouble with leaking and found Coloplast had some good options. Their barriers seem smaller. They also have a barrier sheet, which may cover your belly button. My stoma is larger and above my belly button, so I can't help in that area. Good luck!

How far out post-op are you? Loop ileostomy? Is it meant to be temporary? Do you have access to an ostomy nurse? How far from the navel are we talking? I had to cut the edge on my wafers then seal with silicone tape because I was allergic to every other tape. The first few weeks after surgery, I needed the type of silicone ‘tape' they use for NICU babies. I thought the solution would be flat, but my ostomy nurse said no, I absolutely needed deep convex. I can send you a picture if you want.

Although I don't have your particular situation, I have tried many different wafers to find the best one for me. I have spoken to customer service people at 3 different manufacturers and I can tell you there's no perfect wafer. I recently tried a Coloplast sample that the consultant and I decided might solve some of my problems. Sensura Mio flat flex barrier. I order precut but you could order samples from them and see what might work for you. The material it's made of seems to be unique. They suggested I warm the barrier in my armpit before opening and then hold it in place around my stoma for a minute or so. It has stayed put very well and no stool has seeped under it (so far) The pouches stick on with a strong adhesive that is designed to be opened and restuck many times. My stoma is close enough to my belly button that the top corner goes over it slightly and it hasn't been a problem. I hope you will make contact with the specialists at each of the companies and get help choosing the right product for your situation.