subject: Ostomy Pouching System - Wafer Lug Butterfly Valve - China Lug Style Butterfly Valve [print this page] Wafers/Baseplates Wafers/Baseplates
A typical ostomy wafer/baseplate.
Most wafers/baseplates are manufactured using pectin or similar organic material and are available in a wide variety of sizes to accommodate a person's particular anatomy.
The internal opening must be the correct size to accommodate the individual's stoma while protecting the skin from contact with waste. The methods for sizing this opening varies depending on the type of wafer/baseplate; some pre-cut sizes are available, however most users normally customize the opening using scissors. Manufacturers have recently introduced moldable wafers than can be shaped by hand without the need for scissors.
Skin adhesion for modern wafers/baseplates are optimized on all the five parameters required in an adhesive: 1) absorption, 2) tack and adhesion, 3) flexibility, 4) erosion resistance and 5) ease of removal. A wafer/baseplate may last between 4 to 10 days before it needs to be replaced; this is highly dependent on the individual's lifestyle, ostomy type, and anatomy.
Pouches
A typical ostomy pouch, in this case a closed-end or "disposable". Note the flange ring, which uses a "Tupperware" type of seal.
The method of attachment to the wafer varies between manufactures and includes permanent (one-piece), press-on/click ("Tupperware" type), turning locking rings and the recently introduced "sticky" adhesive mounts. The two-piece arrangement allows pouches to be swapped without removing the wafer; for example, some people prefer to temporarily switch to a "mini-pouch" for swimming or other activities.
Pouches can be broken down into two basic types: open-end (drainable) and closed-end (disposable).
Open-end pouches have a resealable end that can be opened to drain the contents of the pouch into a toilet. The end is traditionally sealed with a plastic clip, however many manufacturers now offer a velcro-type closure at the end that eliminates the need for the clip.
Closed-end pouches must be removed and replaced with a new pouch.
The use of open-end vs. closed-end pouches is dependent on the frequency in which an individual needs to empty the contents, as well as economics.
Gas is created during digestion, and an airtight pouch will collect this and inflate. To prevent this some pouches are available with special charcoal filtered vents that will allow the gas to escape, and prevent ballooning at night.
References
See also
Colostomy
Ileostomy
Urostomy
External links
United Ostomy Associations of America
International ostomy association
European ostomy association
Categories: Surgery | Gastroenterology | Surgical procedures | Medical equipment | Prosthetics | IncontinenceHidden categories: Articles lacking sources from February 2010 | All articles lacking sources
