Discover what ostomy pancaking is, its causes, and effective prevention techniques. Learn practical tips to manage this common issue and improve your stoma care experience.
What Is Ostomy Pancaking?
“Pancaking” is a term for ostomy output that sits around the stoma and refuses to flow down into the bag. It can even block the filter or dislodge the bag off the body. This can happen with an ileostomy or colostomy.
What Causes It?
Pancaking happens when there is a vacuum in the ostomy bag, and the internal walls stick together.
How to Prevent Ostomy Pancaking?
- Try blowing some air into the stoma bag before applying it. If your ostomy bag has a filter, apply the filter cover. This keeps some air within the bag. Once you have some output, make sure you remove the filter cover.
- If your product has a filter and you notice a vacuum, use the filter cover to trap gases and reverse the vacuum. These covers are often small circle or square stickers, sometimes found at the bottom of stoma bag boxes. Be sure to remove the cover once output starts to prevent pressure buildup, which could cause your ostomy to detach.
- Another tip is to try rolling up a small piece of toilet paper or crumpling a tissue into the bag to keep it propped open.
- Use a drop of oil or liquid soap inside the stoma bag to coat both sides of the internal bag. This can help the output slide to the bottom of the stoma bag. Another option is to try Coloplast’s Brava Lubricating Deodorant, which helps the output slide to the bottom of the bag and alleviates odours.
- If you’re using a drainable bag or two-piece system, try to “de-vac” or “burp” it to let air in. If using a two-piece system, gently lift the edge of your pouch away from the flange while you’re in the bathroom. If you’re using a drainable bag, here’s a resource you can use on how to burp it.
- Finally, it may be worth trying a different type of stoma bag.
What to Do If You’re Still Having Ostomy Pancaking
If you continue to have issues with pancaking, it’s worth talking to your stoma care nurse or healthcare provider.
Source
By Erika Kana, RN, Content Writer, Ostomy Canada Marketing Team.
Erika Kana is a Calgary-based Registered Nurse and health content writer. She has experience in geriatric and medical-surgical nursing and specializes in emergency nursing. Her diverse nursing experiences have sparked an interest in wound and ostomy nursing. Erika regularly seeks out ways to learn more about ostomy management and research.
4 Responses
I use Holister pouches however I’ve never seen a filter cover. Is this normal. I use a lubricating oil/ deodorant each time I empty. Should I still try liquid soap. I lost weight but still doesn’t seem to make a difference.
Hello, not all ostomy pouches have filter covers, so it can be normal that yours does not have one. Although liquid soap is one tip mentioned, the purpose is to lubricate the inside of the bag, and it sounds like you’re already doing that with your lubricant. One tip you can try is to crumple a tissue and place it in the bag, to help keep it propped open. Finally, if you’ve tried these tips and are still having issues, it’s worth talking to your stoma care nurse or healthcare provider. They can help better support your specific situation and help find the right products for you.
Because I have a short torso the bag is too long. Is there a bag that is wide and a bit shorter . Leaking is happening too often. I thought it only happening during pancaking but no, happens any,time. I find that the glue in between the white strips is not as strong , that is where it leaks. I have it side ways , I tried up and down and it always leaks in between the white strips .Help.
Hello, it can absolutely be frustrating when you continue to have issues with pancaking and leakage. Here’s a page on tips to deal with ostomy leakage: https://www.ostomycanada.ca/ostomy-care-basics/common-concerns/ostomy-leaks/
If you continue to have issues with leakage and/or pancaking, the best course of action is usually to consult with your stoma care nurse or healthcare provider for further guidance. Their help will be more personalized to you and your needs.