June 2019 – Fistula Solution

Oregon Seminar: Complex Abdominal Wounds and Fistula Nightmares

Mary Anne Obst will present "Complex Abdominal Wounds and Fistula Nightmares: Tricks and Tips" October 19th in Medford, Oregon. The seminar is at the Advanced Wound Care Conference of the Northwest Region of the WOCN.

Mary Anne is a Complex Abdomen Specialist at Regions Hospital in St. Paul, Minnesota. She will teach participants various approaches to promote quality of life while targeting surgical repair when applicable. She will also share unique methods for managing complex abdominal wounds and enterocutaneous fistulas.

Click here for conference information.

Stop Pouch Attachment Leakage

Leaks can happen at the interface of a pouch appliance and Fistula Solution device. Usually leaks are because the pouch opening is cut too small or because of poor pouch adhesion.

The goal is to direct ALL effluent into the pouch appliance with no leaks. These technique tips will help assure success.

Click here for a detailed pouching video that demonstrates these technique tips.

1. Add a thin ostomy barrier ring to the top flange of the of the Fistula Solution device. This landing zone is where the high output ostomy pouch or wound manager will be placed.

2. Cut the opening in the high output ostomy pouch or wound manager generously. Make the opening diameter about 1 cm larger than the Fistula Solution device opening. Then place the pouch appliance on the landing zone.

3. Bridge the gap between the opening of the pouch appliance and the landing zone with another ostomy barrier ring. A barrier ring can be cut and applied in segments as shown in the image to the right.

Work the pouch appliance into the barrier rings. Have the patient lay quietly for 30 minutes or more to allow the pieces to warm up and adhere to each other.

These technique tips can help stop leaks from happening at the interface of the pouch appliance and Fistula Solution device, and ensure all effluent goes into the pouch where it belongs.

Free Webinar on Comprehensive Management of Digestive Tract Fistulas

Mary Anne Obst, RN, CWON, CCRN, presents in this free recorded webinar that will increase your knowledge of enteric fistulas and their management. This informative program will give you practical insights into assessing the patient with an enteric fistula. Mary Anne will also cover the medical, surgical, and wound care strategies that can help optimize patient outcomes.

Click here to view the webinar.

Sharing her clinical expertise as a complex abdomen specialist, Ms. Obst will outline the risk factors associated with enteric fistulas and the preventive measures that may help reduce complications. Critical factors for successful fistula management and closure will be covered. Mary Anne will also discuss specific wound care principles and the application of the "pinch test" as the gateway to surgical readiness.