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Glossary
Accessories:
These are products that may be used to enhance the performance of your pouching system. Examples: paste, ostomy belt, skin barrier rings.
Allergy:
A negative response to a substance. In ostomy care, a person may be allergic to some part of the pouch system, such as the tape. However, allergies are fairly uncommon and there may be other reasons for a reaction to a material.
Barrier opening:
The barrier opening is defined by the pre-cut hole in the skin barrier. It is usually the same size as the stoma, but should not be smaller than the diametre of the stoma.
Burping the pouch:
In a two-piece ostomy pouching system, this term is used to describe the intentional partial separation of the flanges to allow gas to escape.
Chemotherapy:
Treatment that involves the use of prescription drugs. It may be specific to a type of disease such as cancer chemotherapy. These drugs may have an effect on the output from the stoma.
Closed pouch:
A pouch that is not drainable from the bottom. Usually when it needs to be emptied, it is removed and thrown away. Most often a person with a colostomy with formed stool would use this type of pouch.
Colon:
Another term for the large intestine.
Colon Conduit:
This is a specific type of urinary diversion. A segment of colon (large intestine) is used as a pipeline (conduit) to divert urine. The urine flows from the kidneys, down the ureters, through the conduit and out the stoma. The conduit is not a reservoir for urine. The output from the stoma is urine and mucus. The bladder may be bypassed or removed.
Colour match:
Colours are used to match compatible pouches and skin barriers in some two-piece systems. The colour appears on the boxes and on the individual resealable packages that the skin barriers come in. The products themselves are NOT coloured.
Colostomy:
A surgically created opening into the large intestine or colon.
Comfort backing pouch panels:
These panels are available on some ostomy pouches and provide a soft layer between the pouch film and the skin, where the stoma is flat, recessed or retracted.
Conform 2:
A specific group of two-piece products from Hollister. Key features of the range includes a choice of skin barriers without tape, low profile flange, cut-to-fit, flat and convex barriers, unique resealable packaging, exclusive rustle-free pouch film and Beige Comfort backing. Available in drainable, closed and urostomy pouches.
Convexity:
This is the outward curving of the portion of the pouch that has contact with the skin, usually the skin barrier. The convex shape provides form to the skin barrier and support to the peristomal skin.
Cut-to-fit barrier:
A cut-to-fit barrier needs to be cut before it is applied to the body. There may or may not be a small starter hole in the centre of the skin barrier where scissors can be placed to make cutting easier. A cut-to-fit barrier is ideal if the stoma is still changing sizes or if the shape of the stoma is not round.
Diarrhoea medication:
A drug used to help combat diarrhoea. The medication may result in decreased frequency or a thicker output. Medication can be obtained over-the-counter or prescribed.
Discharge:
Generic term to refer to the output from a stoma.
Drainable pouch:
A pouch that opens from the bottom to empty the contents. A drainable pouch requires some type of clamp on the bottom to keep it closed. A person with a colostomy or ileostomy (NOT a urostomy) would use this type of pouch.
Drainage:
Generic term to refer to the output from a stoma. May be urine or stool.
Film:
This is the plastic from which the pouch is made.
Filter:
A charcoal vent in an ostomy pouch that allows gas to escape and be deodorised. A filter may be integrated into the pouch film, as in a closed pouch or it may be replaceable, as in a drainable pouch.
FirstChoice:
A specific group of one-piece urostomy pouches from Hollister, series 146xx. Available in a variety of sizes, cut-to-fit and pre-sized.
Flange:
The flange is a plastic ring that is on a two-piece pouch system. The flange on the pouch and the flange on the skin barrier must match to create a secure pouching system. Letters (as in the Tandem two-piece system) or colour (as in the Hollister Conform 2 ostomy system) designations may be used to help in correctly matching the flanges.
Flat skin barrier:
The skin barrier on this product is NOT curved or convex. It may be part of a one-piece or two-piece system.
FlexWear:
A type of skin barrier from Hollister. It is designed to work well with most types of ostomy discharge. It should be worn for more than one day. Is available within the Hollister Conform 2 ostomy system.
Floating flange:
This is a patented feature only on Hollister two-piece skin barriers. The flange (plastic ring) and the skin barrier can move independent of each other. This means the skin barrier is more flexible and it makes it easier for you to attach the flanges.
Healthcare professional:
Generic term to describe a variety of people involved in health care: doctor, SCN and pharmacist—to name just a few.
Ileal conduit:
This is a specific type of urinary diversion. A segment of ileum (small intestine) is used as a pipeline (conduit) to divert urine. The urine flows from the kidneys, down the ureters, through the conduit and out the stoma. The conduit is not a reservoir for urine. The output from the stoma is urine and mucus. The bladder may be bypassed or removed.
Ileostomy:
A surgically created opening through the abdomen that leads into the small intestine.
Ileum:
Last section of the small intestine before it connects to the colon.
Impression:
A range of one-piece pouches with integral convex skin barriers plus additional microporous adhesive around the edge to aid security. Available as drainable or urostomy pouches.
Impression C:
A range of one-piece pouches with integral convex skin barriers. The pouches do not have micropore. They are available as closed, drainable or urostomy pouches. For patients with flat, recessed or retracted stomas.
Incision line:
Location where an incision (cut made in the skin) was made during an operation. In ostomy surgery, it may be on the abdomen, around the base of the stoma or in the perineum.
Irritation:
Any inflammation or soreness. In ostomy care, it usually refers to the skin. Skin irritation may present as reddened, open and/or moist skin.
Karaya:
A type of natural skin barrier available from Hollister. It is particularly well suited for sensitive skin or if allergic reactions to synthetic products occur. It will break down when exposed to high heat or to high-water content discharge. It has a mildly acidic pH (4.5-5.0).
Letter match:
Letters are used to match compatible pouches and skin barriers in the Tandem two-piece systems. The letter appears on the boxes, the individual skin barrier packages and on the pouches themselves.
Moderma Flex:
A range of one-piece pouches, available as closed, drainable or urostomy. The barrier has the unique indentations caused by air space technology. This ensures that the skin under the barrier is allowed to rest and recover.
Mucus:
A viscous suspension that is normally secreted by the body. Mucus in the bowel helps with lubrication. May be seen in the discharge of a colostomy or urostomy.
Night drainage bag:
A large collection bag for urine. A person with a urostomy can connect the pouch to a night drainage bag.
Occlusive tape:
This is a plastic film with adhesive that may be used to help hold an ostomy pouch on to the skin. Occlusive tape does not allow moisture vapour to pass through the tape.
Odour-barrier film:
Pouch film that is highly resistant to letting odours pass through while the pouch is worn.
One-piece pouch:
A one-piece system includes a skin barrier and pouch that are already attached. Most one-piece pouching systems do not include a plastic ring or flange that limits the ability of the pouch to flex with changes in the body. Generally, a one-piece system is more flexible than a two-piece system.
Opaque:
This refers to pouch film that is coloured—either white or beige. It is designed to help conceal the contents of the pouch.
Ostomy:
A surgically created opening into the gastrointestinal (bowel) or urinary system. This is a general term and is sometimes used interchangeably with the word stoma, which is a greek word for mouth or opening.
Peristomal skin:
This refers to the skin immediately around the stoma. Usually the adhesive of the pouching system covers the peristomal skin.
Porous paper tape:
This is paper with adhesive that may be used to help hold an ostomy pouch on the skin. Porous tape allows moisture vapour to pass through the tape and not be trapped on the skin. Sometimes refered to as "breathable" tape.
Pouch:
The bag that collects the discharge from the stoma.
Pre-sized:
The barrier opening on these products has already been cut for added convenience. The sizes are listed and should be selected based upon your stoma size. Ideal if your stoma has a round shape.
Radiation therapy:
Treatment that involves the use of therapeutic radiation. Usually used specifically in the treatment of cancer. This treatment may influence the output from the stoma, the condition of the skin and the surface of the stoma.
Rustle-free:
Pouch film that is designed to minimise noise when wearing an ostomy pouch. This is an exclusive feature available only from Hollister.
SCN:
Stoma care nurse. A nurse with specialised education in the care of people with stomas.
Skin barrier:
A product placed on the body for the purpose of protecting the skin. Skin barriers are adhesive, but have different properties based upon formulation. Examples of Hollister skin barriers are Karaya 5 and FlexWear.
Sphincter:
Refers to a muscle that surrounds and closes an opening. When a stoma is created, the sphincter that allows for control of output is bypassed. A stoma does not have a sphincter.
Stationary flange:
This is a feature on Hollister two-piece skin barriers. The flange (plastic ring) and the skin barrier are firmly attached to each other. This provides a very low profile for your pouching system.
Stock number:
This number is unique to a specific product and assures that the correct size and features are provided based on an individual selection.
Stoma:
A surgically created opening into the gastrointestinal (bowel) or urinary system. This is a general term and is sometimes used interchangeably with the word ostomy. The stoma is red, moist and is not painful.
Stoma measuring guide:
A card used to measure the stoma at the base. This information is useful in selecting the right size pouch or skin barrier.
Stool:
Term used to define waste material from the bowel. Also known as faeces.
Tandem:
A specific group of two piece productsd from Hollister, incorporating the revolutionary Tandem CenterPoint Lock system. This patented closure mechanism eliminates any possibility of accidental pouch detachment. Available in a variety of pre-cut, cut-to-fit and convexed flanges to use with the closed, drainable and urostomy pouches.
Tape border:
This is a product that has tape around the outside of the skin barrier—like a picture frame. It helps to hold your pouching system securely in place and to protect your skin barrier.
Tapered barrier:
This unique design means the skin barrier is thicker around the stoma for greater protection and yet thinner at the outside edge. This means no tape and a more flexible, comfortable system.
Transparent pouch:
The pouch film on this product is designed to allow you to see the pouch contents. This is preferred in some situations.
Two-piece pouch:
A two-piece system includes a skin barrier with flange and a pouch with flange. The two flanges lock together to create the pouch system. The flanges influence the flexibility of the pouch because they are plastic and, therefore, not as flexible as a skin barrier alone.
Urinary tract infection (UTI):
An infection that typically involves the kidneys or bladder. Some warning signs of a urinary tract infection include dark cloudy urine, strong smelling urine, back pain, fever, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting.
Urostomy:
A surgically created opening (usually on the abdomen) that allows urine to flow out of the body. A urostomy may also be called a urinary diversion.
Urostomy pouch:
This type of pouch has a drain tap or spout at the end since it is designed to drain liquid contents (usually urine) from a pouch. A person with a urostomy or urinary diversion would use this type of pouch.
Wear time:
This is the length of time a product can be worn before failure. Failure is usually the result of barrier erosion or separation from the skin surface. Wear time varies widely. The goal of selecting an appropriate ostomy product is to provide a predictable and consistent wear time.
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