Introduction Convex ostomy baseplates are designed to help minimise the risk of leakage and support the maintenance of peristomal skin health. Their performance is defined by five key characteristics: depth, slope, tension location, compressibility and flexibility. The adhesive component further plays a role in ensuring a secure and comfortable seal.
Aim The aim is to translate technical parameters that define convexity into practical clinical guidance, illustrating how these characteristics inform product selection and support optimal patient outcomes.
Methods This article synthesises current evidence and definitions of convexity parameters and integrates them with clinical reflections from two experienced stoma care nurses. Two real-world clinical cases are presented to demonstrate the practical application of convexity principles in postoperative stoma management.
Results Across the two cases, clinicians applied the five convexity parameters together with adhesive considerations to address challenges such as uneven abdominal contours, firm or bending abdominal walls, peristomal folds, mucocutaneous dehiscence and risks of leakage. In both scenarios, tailored convex product selection supported secure sealing and protected peristomal skin.
Conclusion Understanding the clinical relevance of convexity characteristics and adhesive performance is essential for effective product selection in stoma care. Individualised product selection based on patient-specific needs enables clinicians to optimise fit, maintain peristomal skin health and improve clinical outcomes.