#1 Most Common: Pancaking & Leaks

ostomy complications troubleshooting 2025 - pancaking and leaks

Symptoms

Output stuck at top, frequent blowouts, wet skin

Causes

  • Filter clogged
  • Pouch too tight
  • High output
  • Poor wafer seal

Quick Fixes

  1. Use lubricant spray inside pouch
  2. Cover filter with sticker during shower
  3. Switch to convex wafer
  4. Add barrier ring/paste
Call doctor if: Leak under wafer >2x/day or skin breakdown

Peristomal Skin Irritation & Rash

ostomy complications troubleshooting 2025 - skin irritation

Crusting Technique

  1. Clean with water
  2. Dab stoma powder
  3. Seal with no-sting spray
  4. Repeat 2–3 layers

Best Products

  • Convatec Stomahesive Powder
  • 3M Cavilon No-Sting Spray
  • SIIL high-waisted underwear (reduces friction)

Stoma Prolapse (Telescoping)

ostomy complications troubleshooting 2025 - stoma prolapse

Temporary Fix

  • Lie down 10 mins
  • Apply cold pack
  • Sprinkle sugar (osmotic reduction)
  • Use prolapse belt
ER if: Dark purple, no output, severe pain

Parastomal Hernia Prevention & Management

ostomy complications troubleshooting 2025 - parastomal hernia

Daily Prevention

  • Wear SIIL ostomy belt EVERY DAY
  • Core exercises (with PT approval)
  • No lifting >10 lbs first year
  • Proper coughing technique

Surgery?

Only if: Pain, incarceration, skin breakdown. 50% recurrence rate.

Food Blockage (Bolus Obstruction)

Ostomy Products | Colostomy Bag Covers | SIIL Ostomy | Ostomy Belt | Ileostomy Underwear

High-Risk Foods

  • Celery, corn, mushrooms
  • Nuts, popcorn, coconut
  • Raw carrots, pineapple

Clearing Blockage

  1. Massage stoma gently
  2. Drink warm tea
  3. Knee-chest position
  4. NO LAXATIVES
ER if: No output >6 hrs + vomiting

Stoma Retraction

ostomy complications troubleshooting 2025 - stoma retraction

Solutions

  • Convex wafer + belt
  • Moldable ring
  • SIIL high-waisted support

Odor Control & Ballooning

ostomy complications troubleshooting 2025 - odor and ballooning
  • M9 drops or bismuth tablets
  • Pouch deodorizer spray
  • Change pouch more often

Emergency Red Flags — Call 911 or Go to ER

ostomy complications emergency signs 2025
  • No output >6 hrs (ileostomy) / >12 hrs (colostomy)
  • Stoma turns black/purple
  • Severe bleeding
  • Uncontrollable vomiting
  • Fever >101°F with pain

Daily Prevention Routine

  • Wear SIIL support belt daily
  • Check seal every morning
  • Keep emergency kit
  • See WOCN every 6 months
  • Core strengthening exercises

Ostomy Complications FAQs

Why is my ostomy leaking at night?

Body position changes seal. Use convex wafer + SIIL belt.

How to fix burning skin around stoma?

Crusting technique: powder + no-sting spray. Change pouch type.

Is hernia inevitable?

No — 70% preventable with daily SIIL belt + core exercises.

Can prolapse fix itself?

Sometimes. Lie down, cold pack, sugar. Surgery if recurrent.

When to worry about blockage?

Liquid output + cramps + no gas >6 hrs → ER.