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Jun 05, 2025

Flat Colostomy Challenges: Daily Appliance Changes

This topic is about dealing with the challenges of having a flat or recessed colostomy, which can lead to frequent leaks and the need for daily appliance changes. Here are some helpful tips and insights for managing these issues:

1. **Try a Deep Convex System with a Barrier Ring:**
- Many find the Coloplast deep convex system to be very effective, with some users getting up to 7 days of wear time.
- Convatec also offers convex wafers and provides video consultations with ostomy nurses for additional support.
- Hollister convex barrier rings are another option, and you can request samples to try them out.

2. **Fitting the Barrier Ring:**
- Cut one edge of the ring and fit it snugly against the stoma. The ring will swell to fill any gaps and help absorb output, reducing leaks.

3. **Check for Pancaking and Seal Failures:**
- Ensure that output is not sticking at the top of the pouch (pancaking) or causing the seal to fail, as both can lead to leaks.

4. **Consult with an Ostomy Nurse:**
- Working with a Wound, Ostomy, and Continence (WOC) nurse, either in person or via video, can help identify the causes of frequent appliance changes and protect your skin.

5. **Protecting Irritated Skin:**
- Use Marathon cyanoacrylate skin protectant to create a strong barrier, allowing wafers to adhere while your skin heals.
- Use powder sparingly, as too much can prevent adhesion.
- Be aware that heat and perspiration can loosen adhesives, but deep convex systems often hold better.

6. **Consider Surgical Revision:**
- If convex products and ring adjustments do not solve the problem, a surgical revision to make the stoma protrude more might be necessary. It's important to address constant leaks and daily changes.
- If your current surgeon is not open to revision, consider seeking a second opinion, especially in metropolitan areas where multiple specialists are available.

7. **Managing Occasional Leaks:**
- While some people manage occasional leaks with a flush stoma without surgery, daily changes indicate a more serious issue that may require more aggressive solutions.
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