Tag: Wound drain

Protect Perineal Burns and Wounds without a Diverting Ostomy

A common mitigation approach to fecal contamination of perineal wounds and skin grafts is to create an ileostomy or colostomy.   However, the Fistula Funnel can be paired with standard fecal management systems to isolate burns and wounds to the perineum without surgical redirection of the fecal stream.

Fistula Funnel anal isolation

This illustration depicts how the Fistula Funnel can be employed to isolate a fecal management system. The "how-to" steps to assemble the devices follow.

Click here to see a video that demonstrates this technique.

1. Tailor the Fistula Funnel and create a skirt by cutting along the scribe line.   The skirt is intended to seal and protect the perineum from fecal management system leakage.

Scribe line

2. Disinfect the Fistula Funnel with skin or wound cleaning solution, then pull the fecal management system through the Fistula Funnel opening.

FMS isolation

3. Apply dressings to Fistula Funnel, ensuring the skirt around the base of the Fistula Funnel opening faces toward the anus.

4. Apply an ostomy barrier ring to the base of Fistula Funnel to help form a seal between the skin and the device.

Compress the prepared Fistula Funnel against the skin around the fecal management drain to seal and protect the perineum.

Stabilize PEG Tubes and Wound Drains to Reduce Insertion Site Leakage

Gastric fluid leakage or wound drainage around medical tubes is an unfortunate occurrence. The leaked fluid can cause skin irritation, infection, reduced healing times, and general patient discomfort.  Leakage often occurs because patient movement rubs the tube against the insertion site and widens the incision over time

peg 3

The Fistula Funnel can be used to stabilize tubes and reduce tube friction on the insertion site.  The "how-to" steps follow.

1. As shown, place the bottom half of the Fistula Funnel around the tube prior to tube placement if possible.

If the tube is already in place, tailor the Fistula Funnel by cutting as indicated by the dotted line so it can be placed around the tube.

PEG tube cutting

2. Place a contact layer followed by a flat ostomy barrier ring on the perimeter skin. Notch the flange to allow the device to flex, then place it around the tube so that the notched flange rests on the ostomy barrier ring.

Funnel 4 placed

3. Fasten the Fistula Funnel to the patient by placing adhesive strips on top of the base flange. Use zip ties or tape to fasten the Fistula Funnel to the tube.  The stabilized tube should stand perpendicular to the patient's body.

Funnel 5 placed

This technique can stabilize PEG tubes and wound drains in order to reduce tube rubbing on the insertion site and mitigate incision widening.  The Fistula Funnel and companion dressings can also help seal and protect the skin from leakage when applied as shown.