The Use of Tube Paste vs. Strip Paste in Ostomy

The question of whether tube paste or strip paste is better has been a source of debate for ostomy patients. Some people say that the tube paste is easier to apply, while others prefer the ease and convenience of the strip paste. Here are both sides of the argument and can help one decide which type might be best for your needs!

Tube paste is the traditional ostomy paste, in which the user squeezes out a line of what looks like toothpaste onto their wafer or onto their skin directly. It is then dried for approximately three minutes before applying the wafer. Some ostomates like this type because it is simple, easy to use and dispenses the perfect amount. This type of paste can be messy because it has to be applied using your fingers, and it only covers an area about one inch wide by two inches long. Some paste products say you can apply this with a cotton swab, but many ostomates find it difficult to do so.

In contrast, strip paste is applied directly from the container onto the skin, and it comes in a ribbon of paste about an inch wide by fifteen inches long or more. This type of paste takes a little getting used to for some users because it can be difficult to control how much paste you use at one time. But strip pastes are quick and easy to use, which comes in handy when you have a wafer in a hard-to-reach location or your stoma site is on the move!

Strip Paste is unique in that it comes in a pre-cut sheet, much like paper tape for your wafer. This means less mess and no need for fingers directly on the product! You can use any method you prefer to apply, whether using fingers or cotton swabs. It comes in many sizes for different applications! On the other hand, tube pastes are much easier to apply when your wafer is in a difficult-to-reach location.

Barrier ring is also another alternative to tube pastes and strip pastes. It is a clear flexible ring that has adhesive on one side of it. A line of tube paste or a standard paste is applied onto the skin then the ring is placed onto your skin and pressed down, and it creates a seal between your skin and ostomy bag to protect both of them. It makes tube pastes and standard pastes unnecessary, which makes Barrier rings a convenient alternative. Barrier rings are also very easy to use when you have a wafer in hard-to-reach locations.

One final factor to consider is the cost of tube pastes compared to strip pastes. Tube pastes average about $5 for a small container containing one ounce of paste, while strip paste is usually more expensive at $7 or $8 per fifteen-inch ribbon.

Every ostomate has different needs and preferences, so it's important to be open-minded about which type of paste you use. Do some experimenting to see what works best for you, your skin, and your stoma site!

In conclusion, everyone is different when it comes to their ostomy care needs! While some people prefer tube paste because it's easy to apply and doesn't move around once placed on the skin, others need the convenience of strip paste because they have a hard time reaching their ostomy site. Tube pastes and strip pastes each have their pros and cons, but both are easy to purchase from your local pharmacy or online through an ostomy supply company!

Colostomy: What is it and why it needed

A colostomy is a procedure where the large intestine is pulled through the abdominal wall. If there is a problem with your lower bowel, then a colostomy may be necessary. Sometimes these problems are not permanent and can be fixed by turning stool away from the lower bowel.

A permanent colostomy may be necessary if the colon is no longer viable. Some of these reasons include:

• Colon Cancer

• Colonic Polyps- extra tissue grows in the colon. The tissue can be cancerous or turn cancerous.

• IBS- Irritable bowel syndrome causes bloating, constipation and abdominal pain.

• Crohn’s disease-inflammatory bowel disease.

• Diverticulitis- diverticula in digestive system becomes infected.

An injury or a blockage in the colon can also make a colostomy necessary.

During the procedure, a stoma is created by taking one end of the colon and sending it through an incision in the abdominal wall. A pouch for the feces is attached to the stoma. 

Sometimes colostomies are not permanent. The procedure is used to fix lower digestive tract problems. 

What are the risks?

This procedure is categorized as major surgery so there are some risk. Some of these risk include:

• Other organs become damaged.

• An internal organ may go through a weak part of the muscle and cause an hernia. 

• Colostomy prolapse

• Infection

• Bleeding

• Colostomy can become blocked

Like with any major surgery, an allergic reaction to anesthesia and experiencing heavy bleeding is always a possibility. Before the surgery, you need to speak with your doctor. They can explain the risk and any possible complications that can arise during surgery.

Getting ready for a colostomy

When your doctor feels like a colostomy is your best option, they will take blood samples, do a physical examination, and check your medical history. Your doctor will ask about past surgeries and if you are taking any medication. Make sure to tell them everything, no matter how small it seems, even over-the-counter medication.

Most likely, you will need to fast at least twelve hours before your surgery, and they may want to perform an enema the night before. Your doctor will want to make sure that your bowels are clear before the surgery. 

Before and after the procedure

Once you are sleeping due to the anesthesia, the surgeon will make an incision in your stomach. 

The surgery largely depends on what type of surgery will be performed. The surgeon may or may not use a laparoscopy. Laparoscopy is where small tools and a camera is inserted into the incision so the surgeon can perform the surgery. Whichever method the surgeon uses, the surgeon will make an incision, find the right part of the intestine, and pull it through the abdominal wall. A ring will be implanted into the abdominal wall to keep the end of the intestines in the right place. Your surgeon may use the ring to help your skin heal around the intestine, or it may be permanent. 

Once finished, the surgeon will stitch you up. You will be taken to a recovery room and watched to make sure there are no problems. You will probably be in the hospital for at least five to seven days. During this time, your doctor will slowly reintroduce you to solid food. Starting with liquids to make sure the digestive system still works correctly. Then you will be shown how to use the colostomy bag. 

There will be follow-up appointments so your doctor can make sure that everything is healing and working correctly.