Stoma bag issues

Common Pouch Issues

Ballooning

Ballooning occurs when there is a build up of gas in the pouch, causing it to swell up like a balloon. Ballooning can be a result of an inability of the pouch to filter the gas, or the filter has been blocked by solid output resulting in a gas build up.

How to avoid ballooning:

• Avoid food and drink that produce gas.
• When ballooning does occur, go to the privacy of a toilet and empty the pouch or alternatively, change to a new pouch.
• If ballooning is a regularly experienced issue, it might be worth investigating into a different pouch system. Different pouches have different filter systems built into them so you should find one that meets your needs if you aren't happy with your current one. 

Pancaking

Pancaking occurs when output stays on top of the stoma and is unable to drop to the bottom of the pouch. Most commonly occurs in colostomy management when the filter of the pouch eliminates all air resulting in a vacuum or 'sucking in' of the appliance. When pancaking occurs, this heightens the risk of the pouch coming away from the body and / or for leaks to occur.

How to prevent pancaking:

• Blow air into the pouch before putting it on the body to prevent pancaking. A lubricant inside of the bag may assist with the output reaching the bottom of the pouch and prevent the pouch walls from sticking together.

Please contact your supplier of ostomy products or your Stomal Therapy Nurse if you are experiencing any issues.

Liberty Medical Customer Engagement Australia

Freecall: 1800 880 851

Email: livewell@libmed.com.au