Pedi ostomy Care

Pediatric Ostomy care can be a tedious process. Do not be frightened by the many ostomy products. In my experience less is always best. I am going to give you a step by step guide to pediatric ostomy care. What makes me an expert you ask? I have had 4 years of 24 hour 365 days a year to hone my skills.

The first thing is to:

• Choose an ostomy system that works for you. One that is easy for you to handle. We personally use Hollister New Image wafers and bags because they are easy to manipulate around the stoma and are easy to maintain for an extended period of time.
• Buy the right type of scissors (this is crucial) you need to make sure your scissors are sharp and agile enough to cut the best outline in the wafer. The better the cut the longer the stick
• Now you want to measure the stoma, remember that stomas can shrink and enlarge depending on food eaten that day or water intake (hydration).
• Cut the wafer according to what your outline says. example my outline tells me to cut between 25 and 32 mm, so I usually cut at the 30 mm line.
• you can use a barrier wipe however it is not necessary, these wafers are totally capabale of adapting to moisture changes on the skin. Do make sure the area around the stoma is clean and dry.
• Apply wafer, gently take your index finger and seal the wafer all around the stoma.
• Attach bag.

Finished!

Great job! it takes practice but you soon will be on your way to lasting ostomy maintence!