Objective To develop a robotic phantom system containing multiple simulated wound replicates to determine the synergy in fluid absorbency and retention (sorptivity) performances and the post-simulated-use mechanical durability of silver-containing gelling fibre primary dressings when used with a secondary dressing, as per clinical practice.

Methods Using a robotic system containing six identical wound simulators, the authors tested the sorptivity performances of the Exufiber Ag+ (Mölnlycke Health Care, Gothenburg, Sweden) primary dressing (ExAg-polyvinyl alcohol [PVA]) against a market-leading comparator product, when used with a secondary foam dressing. The durability of the primary dressings after simulated use was further investigated through tensile mechanical testing.

Results The ExAg-PVA primary dressing delivered greater fluid amounts for absorbency and retention by the secondary foam dressing, approximately 2- and 1.5-fold more than the comparator dressing pair after 10 and 15 hours, respectively. The ExAg-PVA dressing was also substantially less sensitive to the direction of pulling forces and, accordingly, exhibited post-use mechanical strength that was approximately four- and six-times greater than that of the other primary dressing (when the latter dressing was tested out-of-alignment with its visible seams) after 10 and 15 hours, respectively.

Conclusions The dynamics of the sorptivity and fluid sharing between primary and secondary dressings and the effect of directional preference of strength of the primary dressings for adequate durability, resulting in safe post-use removals, have been described. The comparative quantification of these capabilities should help clinical and nonclinical decision-makers select dressings that best meet their patient needs.

As ostomy nurse specialists, it is our job to help our patients find a pouching system that provides a secure seal and protects the peristomal skin. The most important part of the pouching system is the adhesive seal, as this provides the security for predictable wear time and peristomal skin maintenance.

The two critical choices are the opening in the skin barrier and the shape of the skin barrier. The opening in the skin barrier should match the stoma shape and size and the shape of the skin barrier is determined by an assessment of the peristomal body profile and the location of the stoma lumen and the amount of stoma protrusion.

This article is a commentary on the shape of the skin barrier opening and the shape of the skin barrier in the management of the patient with an ostomy.

Peristomal skin complications (PSCs) are a frequent issue for patients living with an ostomy. A common cause of PSCs is leakage of stomal effluent, which 76% of the patients experience at least once a month. To improve the quality of life (QoL) of people living with an ostomy, the underlying cause and predisposing factors for leakage must be identified and addressed during the selection of an ostomy solution. The aim of this publication is to highlight the importance of assessing the peristomal body profile (PBP) when finding the right ostomy solution and preventing leakage.

According to a recent consensus among ostomy care nurses, the pouch seal security and peristomal skin integrity are the most important factors to determine an optimal ostomy solution. Therefore, the patient assessment should include an evaluation of the peristomal area and type of stoma and output. The Peristomal Body Profile Terminology (BPT) was established to assist health practitioners to determine the PBP according to the area around the stoma, as well as the position of the stoma opening in relation to the skin.

Incorrect fit with consequential leakage can occur when the PBP is not considered in a structured way when selecting the ostomy solution. The most appropriate ostomy solution will vary according to the patient’s PBP and preference. Therefore, it is crucial for the patients to actively engage in the assessment of their PBP together with the ostomy care nurse, to find the most appropriate ‘fit to body’ solution.