Selecting the Pouching System: Sizing the Skin Barrier for Flush Stomas

Sizing—for stoma that is flush

If using a convex skin barrier, size opening of skin barrier 1/8 inch larger than the stoma. May apply paste or ostomy ring to protect the exposed skin for fecal ostomies and may use skin sealant to protect exposed skin for urinary ostomies.

If using a flat or flexible skin barrier, size opening of skin barrier ¼ to ½ inch larger than the stoma.  This helps prevent undermining of stool or urine.  May apply paste or ostomy ring to protect the exposed skin for fecal ostomies and may use skin sealant to protect exposed skin for urinary ostomies.

Reference: Emory University, 2013