A: Sometimes, we would administer pain medication prior to the ostomy pouch change. While the pain medication helped to relieve the pain, the patient was often left drowsy and less attentive to ostomy teaching due to the effects of the pain medication. Additionally, some pain medication has side effects that may delay recovery for the patient. Many pain medications cause decreased peristalsis and lethargy, which can contribute to patients being less motivated to ambulate and cough and breathe deeply post-operatively, which can delay recovery.

A: Patients generally have increased pain in the post-operative period during ostomy pouch application. The device has helped reduce the pain associated with post-operative ostomy pouch changes due to most of the pressure being applied to the adaptor and not the abdomen. The pressure is displaced to the adaptor instead of the patient’s abdomen.

A: The product has more space for fingers too large to fit under other ostomy systems. The clear design of the SUR-FIT Natura^® Low Pressure Adaptor allows visibility of the stoma more readily from a side view. The height of the SUR-FIT Natura^® Low Pressure Adaptor allows easier pouching of patients with urostomy stomas and stents, and prevents the wafer from getting wet before attaching the flange.

A: In July 2007, we converted our primary ostomy supply line to ConvaTec Moldable Technology™ skin barriers. In late 2008, we also began stocking the SUR-FIT Natura^® Low Pressure Adaptor to our line. We almost exclusively discharge all new ostomy patients in ConvaTec Moldable Technology™ wafers. Additionally, I have since switched many experienced ostomy patients to the line. Patients are thrilled with the fact that they no longer have to cut the wafer, with many remarking on how they achieve such a snug fit with the moldable wafers.

A: We are seeing good peristomal skin integrity, peristomal skin protection, and maintenance of a secure pouching system with reduced leakage.