Stoma leakage can occur for various reasons and may result in stoma output seeping under your baseplate, or in some cases leaking onto your clothing or bedding. This is a common stoma problem that can be distressing and embarrassing for ostomates. Whilst leakages can occur occasionally, perhaps because of changes in your routine or diet, it isn’t something you should have to deal with regularly when living with a stoma. Continue reading to find out common causes of stoma leaks and how to prevent stoma leaks.
What is stoma leakage?
Stoma leakage happens when the output from a stoma does not empty into a stoma bag properly. It may seep under the baseplate and come into contact with peristomal skin, which causes irritation, or get onto your clothes. It can consist of faeces or urine depending on the type of stoma you have, and it may sometimes contain discharge.
All ostomates will likely experience at least one leakage in their life; it is a common stoma issue. However, leaks should be controlled with a few adjustments or product changes. There are many products available which are designed to solve leakage problems and there will be a product or combination of products which is right for you.
What causes stoma leakage?
But why do stomas leak? Here are some of the most common issues that cause stoma leakage and how to prevent them:
Poorly fitting appliance
Stoma leakage is likely to occur if your ostomy appliance does not fit properly. The appliance needs to fit snuggly around your stoma. Your stoma may change size or shape over time, particularly in the weeks following surgery, which means your pouch will need adjustments. If you feel your pouch isn’t being cut to the correct size, you can remeasure it. If you need help with this, contact your stoma nurse.
The size and shape of your stoma need to be considered when selecting the best stoma bag for you. If you have a flat or retracted stoma, you may have been prescribed a convex bag or a seal. A convex design will encourage your stoma to protrude into the pouch and allow the output to move into the pouch.
A stoma seal can also help because it moulds around your stoma and protects your skin. For example, Ostoform’s FLOWASSIST seal has a funnel to guide output into your pouch. This may be particularly useful if you have a highly fluid output. Ostoform and other seals can be used in combination with both flat and convex pouch systems.
Ostoform FLOWASSIST seal
Sore stoma skin
The skin around your stoma may be red and inflamed, dry and itchy or moist due to the breakdown of your skin’s natural barrier. All these conditions make it more difficult for your appliance to adhere properly to the skin. This can lead to leakage which is then likely to cause more skin soreness. If left untreated, a vicious cycle develops, resulting in problematic peristomal skin conditions.
You can break this cycle using suitable stoma skincare products. A stoma barrier product such as StoCare Protect gives a layer of protection, preventing stoma output and moisture from sitting on the surface of your skin. Additionally, barrier products enhance the adhesion of the stoma appliance to minimise leakage.
To avoid irritated skin, you need to remove your stoma appliance gently. A medical adhesive remover such as StoCare Remove is designed to ease discomfort and prevent skin damage when removing adhesives from the skin (known medically as MARSI).
Read more: Peristomal skin protection
Diet
Changes in your diet might contribute to leakage. Certain foods can cause looser or increased output than usual which can be more difficult for you to manage, resulting in leaks. Keeping a food diary can help identify trigger foods. If major changes in your stoma output persist for more than a few days, it’s crucial to contact your stoma nurse.
Read more: Colostomy UK diet advice
Exercising
Leakage during exercise might occur due to increased sweat, twisting, bending, or movement of your abdomen. Emptying your pouch before exercising can help to prevent this. Consider wearing clothing that fits snugly to hold the pouch closer to your body (but doesn’t restrict the pouch). You can also purchase support garments to keep your pouch in position.
Body shape changes
Changes in body shape, including abdominal creases, can result in your stoma bag no longer fitting snugly around your stoma. You may need a different pouch type. Accessories like stoma paste or Ostoform seals can help with this by padding out the skin to create an even layer.
Pancaking
Pancaking occurs when pouch layers stick together, creating a vacuum that hinders output movement. Blowing air into the pouch before application or using tissue paper inside can prevent this. Some find adding a drop of oil inside aids in lubrication. You can read advice about pancaking from fellow ostomates here.
Conclusion
If leaks are happening frequently and causing you anxiety or preventing you from making social plans with family and friends, have a chat with your stoma nurse who can help you find a solution. Don’t suffer in silence. Regular leaks and worry about leaks should not control your daily life.
If you are a medical professional and are interested in finding out how StoCare products can help your patients or requesting a repeat sample order, please email info@rhodespharma.co.uk.
This information is for guidance and does not replace advice given by your healthcare professional.
