Techniques and Equipment Employed in Enterostomal Therapy

Ostomy management of effluent from the ostomy is essential to quality of life. Management of effluent includes avoiding leakage and dealing with other equipment issues that relates to practical, psychological, and social aspects of life. Leakage of effluent to the skin can be prevented by optimal location and dimensioning of the ostomy together with the most appropriate choice of ostomy adhesive and adequate education. This article describes the importance of optimal ostomy location and dimensioning with respect to the use of ostomy equipment and it provides an overview of equipment and technique alternatives.