Stoma care is a significant aspect of daily life for individuals with an ostomy. One common challenge encountered is known as “pancaking,” which can lead to discomfort and potential complications. This article aims to clarify what stoma pancaking entails and provide practical solutions to manage and prevent its occurrence.
What Stoma Pancaking Is and Why It Happens
Stoma pancaking occurs when the output from the stoma sticks to the top of the ostomy pouch instead of falling to the bottom. This results in a flat, pancake-like accumulation of stool around the stoma. When output accumulates this way, it can block the pouch’s filter, preventing air from entering and creating a vacuum effect.
This phenomenon presents several issues, including potential leakage around the wafer due to pressure buildup, which can lead to skin irritation or damage. Additionally, pancaking can cause discomfort, odor, and make the pouch appear distended or obvious under clothing.
Several factors contribute to stoma pancaking. A lack of air inside the pouch creates a vacuum, pulling output against the stoma. Stool consistency also plays a role; thick or pasty output sticks more easily than looser stool. Dehydration can lead to thicker stool.
Tight clothing over the stoma area can compress the pouch, hindering output descent. Colostomies typically produce thicker stool, making individuals with them more susceptible. Pouching system issues, like a blocked filter, can also impede airflow.
Effective Daily Practices to Prevent Pancaking
Adjusting dietary habits significantly influences stool consistency and helps prevent stoma pancaking. For thick or pasty output, increase fluid intake and incorporate soluble fiber from foods like oats, fruits, and vegetables to soften stool. If output is too liquid, consuming foods known to thicken stool, such as bananas, rice, or applesauce, can help.
Maintaining adequate hydration is key for managing stool consistency. Drinking enough water throughout the day helps ensure stool remains soft enough to move freely within the pouch. Proper hydration also supports overall digestive health, preventing overly thick or dry output.
Specific pouch management techniques can actively prevent pancaking. Regularly “burping” the pouch by carefully releasing accumulated air can eliminate the vacuum effect that holds output against the stoma. This simple action allows the pouch to inflate slightly, providing space for the stool to drop.
Applying water, olive oil, or specialized lubricating deodorants inside the pouch creates a slippery surface. This allows stoma output to slide down, preventing it from sticking. Emptying the pouch frequently, before it becomes too full, also reduces the likelihood of output building up and pancaking.
Choosing loose-fitting clothing around the abdomen and stoma area avoids compressing the pouch, which can force output upwards. Gentle movement and activity also encourage the natural descent of stoma output. Incorporating short walks or light exercises throughout the day helps this process.
Specialized Products and Professional Guidance
Several specialized ostomy products address and prevent pancaking. Pouch deodorants and lubricants neutralize odor and provide a slick internal coating that helps output slide down. These products often come in liquid or gel forms and are instilled directly into the pouch.
Other product solutions include pouch extenders or convexity accessories, which create additional space or direct output. For pouches with integrated filters, filter stickers or covers can temporarily block the filter if saturated or blocked, allowing air to enter and break the vacuum. Gel sachets or solidifiers are useful for very liquid output, as they absorb excess moisture and thicken stool, making it less prone to pancaking.
If pancaking persists despite implementing these daily practices and trying various products, seek professional advice. An Ostomy Nurse or other healthcare professional can provide personalized guidance. They can assess individual needs, evaluate the specific stoma type, and recommend tailored solutions or adjustments to the current pouching system.