Pre-cut Ostomy Systems

A pre-cut ostomy system is a pouch with an already cut out opening made to fit the size of the stoma. The pre-cut ostomy system is ideal for patients with around stoma shape. It is available in two types;

a) The flat pouching system
This system is suitable for patients with protruding stomas that are at least an inch long. It lies flat on the skin around the stoma.

b) The convex pouching system

This system extends towards the stoma and is ideal for flat, small, or inverted stoma shapes. This system has a skin barrier or a ring that curves outwards against the skin. The outward curve presses down on the skin and causes the patient’s stoma to stick out and empty into the pouching system.

Types of Convex Products

It is one of the best ostomy systems is the pre-cut convex. It prevents leaking and manages flat or retracted stomas to make up for irregular peristomal planes such as creases or folds. There are different types of convex products;
• Cut-to-fit convex: one or two-piece pouching system allows the patient to cut the opening in the skin barrier to fit the stoma. It is recommended for stomas that are not round.
• Convex insert: they are pre-sized plastic rings used in the flange of a flat two-piece pouching system.
• Precut convex: this is a one or two-piece pouching system that has openings in the skin barrier.
• Faceplate: it is reusable with built-in convexity.
• Ostomy belts and binders: these products are used to give extra patient support.
• Barrier strips or rings: they can be designed into different shapes and sizes.
• Custom-made convex product: this is a product with a built-in convexity custom made for a patient.

Measuring the Stoma

It is essential to measure the stoma to determine the correct size of the stomal opening in an ostomy system. The ostomy opening must be large enough to cover the peristomal skin and to avoid trauma to the stoma. The stoma should be measured at least once a week because it shrinks within 6 to 8 weeks. 

Convex flanges can cause injury if the patient wears or exact or constricting size. Pre-cut convex flanges are ineffective in situations such as flat or retracted stomas and loop ostomy surgical procedures. A loop ostomy can cause stoma prolapse. They are also ineffective if the peristomal skin has wrinkles and creases, uneven surgical scars, and peristomal pressure wounds. It is also not recommended for stomas that change with posture and for patients with flabby abdomens. These factors are contraindicated for pre-cut flat ostomy flanges. A convex flange should not be used on a peristomal hernia. The convex flange can exert pressure on the hernia, increasing the risk of strangulation.

An appropriate pouch system must be selected and fitted to the stoma. Patients with flat, firm abdomens can use flexible systems bordered with paper tape or full skin barrier wafer pouch systems. Patients must use flexible systems for firm abdomens with lateral creases or folds. Those with deep creases, retraced stoma, flabby abdomens, or concave stoma should use a convex system with a stoma belt.

Pre-cut ostomy systems are beneficial to patients because they are faster to apply and more user friendly to patients with insufficient hand coordination or those with painful conditions.