More than 750,000 Americans are living with an ostomy, and approximately 100,000 new ostomy surgeries are performed in the United States each year. For wound ostomy continence (WOC) nurses, DME suppliers, hospital case managers, and home health agencies, understanding the ostomy supply landscape is essential for post-operative patient setup and ongoing care management.
Types of Ostomies and Their Supply Needs
Colostomy — Created from the colon. Output ranges from formed to semi-formed stool depending on the stoma location. Sigmoid and descending colostomies produce firmer output; transverse colostomies produce softer, more frequent output. Drainable or closed-end pouches are used.
Ileostomy — Created from the ileum. Output is liquid to paste-like, high-volume, and contains digestive enzymes that rapidly erode peristomal skin. Drainable pouches with secure sealing mechanisms (clamps or integrated closures) are required. Skin barrier protection is particularly critical.
Urostomy (ileal conduit) — Diverts urine through a stoma. Requires urinary drainage pouches with anti-reflux valves. Two-piece systems with night drainage connections are standard for most urostomy patients.
One-Piece vs. Two-Piece Pouching Systems
Ostomy pouching systems come in two configurations:
- One-piece systems: The skin barrier and pouch are integrated. Simpler to use, softer profile — preferred by many new ostomates and patients with limited dexterity. Changed every 1–4 days depending on output and skin condition.
- Two-piece systems: The skin barrier (wafer) and pouch are separate components that connect via a flange. The barrier stays in place 3–5 days while pouches are exchanged multiple times daily. More economical and allows pouch style flexibility.
The choice depends on patient preference, stoma type, peristomal skin condition, and dexterity. WOC nurses typically guide this decision post-operatively.
Pre-Cut vs. Cut-to-Fit Barriers
Pre-cut skin barriers come with a fixed opening matching standard stoma sizes. They are convenient and reduce application errors. Cut-to-fit barriers allow custom sizing for irregular stomas or patients whose stoma is still shrinking in the immediate post-operative period (stomas typically reduce by 30–50% in the first 6–8 weeks after surgery).
Ostomy Skin Care and Accessories
Peristomal skin complications affect up to 70% of ostomates at some point. Essential ostomy skin care accessories include:
- Skin barrier rings and paste: Fill in skin irregularities and extend wear time. ConvaTec Eakin Cohesive Seals and Hollister Adapt Barrier Rings are market leaders.
- Barrier spray and wipes: No-sting protective films applied before the pouch system to protect fragile peristomal skin.
- Adhesive remover: Minimizes skin trauma during pouch removal. Available as wipes, sprays, and gels.
- Ostomy deodorant: Pouch-internal and oral deodorant options manage output odor.
- Convex inserts and belts: For retracted or flush stomas requiring additional outward pressure to achieve a reliable seal.
Procurement for Facilities: Formulary Building
For hospitals and long-term care facilities, a standardized ostomy supply formulary typically covers one or two systems from each major manufacturer: Coloplast (SenSura Mio, Assura), ConvaTec (Natura+, Esteem), Hollister (CeraPlus, Moderma Flex), and Nu-Hope Laboratories. Ensuring formulary coverage across output types and stoma configurations prevents supply gaps during inpatient stays and at discharge.
Healix carries 12,000+ ostomy products from Coloplast, ConvaTec, Hollister, Marlen, Nu-Hope, and Salts Healthcare. Browse our ostomy and urology catalog for bulk pricing.