Aquaflush | Stoma Stopper | Dressing | User Guide | Contact Aquaflush
Aquaflush stoma stoppers are small silicone stoppers (made from medical grade silicone that can be used for up to 28 days in the body) that are used to seal stoma sites at various parts of the body.
What exactly are Aquaflush stoma stoppers?
Soft, low profile and comfortable and are unique in being of an adjustable in length and come in a variety of shaft diameters depending on the size of the stoma.
They all have a chamfered circular 15mm skin disc with small tab to make it easier to remove. They prevent Stomal Stenosis (closing of the stoma in-between characterizations) and leakage from the stoma by forming a seal in between insertions of the catheter.
Why use an Aquaflush stoma stopper?
Stoma stoppers are indicated for patients in antegrade continence enemas (ACE) where they are required to seal the tract or maintain an open or unobstructed Ace Stoma in between insertions of the enema catheter (usually every 24 to 48 hours).
People that have undergone the Mitrofanoff procedure are also suitable to use an stoma Stopper (stomas formed for catheter introduction into the bladder). Aquaflush Stoppers can also be used for any other stoma of similar size elsewhere in the body.
How do I adjust the length of an Aquaflush Stopper?
You will see from the below diagram the stopper has a number of preformed severance points (where you can shorten the length of the stopper ideally with sterile scissors – ask your prescribing professional for details).
This allows you to reliably shorten the stoppers length to suit your own needs.
Your prescribing Healthcare Professional will advise you on your own specific stopper length and how best to perform this procedure.
Where do I put the Aquaflush stoma Stopper?
Your ACE stoma site should be cleaned and dried before attempting to insert the stopper.
First adjust the Aquaflush Stoma Stopper to the required length (if necessary as per previous instructions) and lubricate the Stoma Stopper with a water based lubricant for easier insertion.
The stopper is then inserted gently into the tract in the same way as when performing ACE.
Useful Tip: Make a note of the date you first used a stopper to ensure you do not use it for more than 30 days.
How do I keep the Aquaflush Stopper in place?
You can use the Aquaflush Stoma Stopper dressing (AFD1) once the stopper is fully inserted to secure the stopper for up to 24hrs.
The stopper can be used for up to 30 days but the dressings are only used once then discarded in accordance to your prescribing professionals advice.
How do I remove the Aquaflush Stoma Stopper?
You need to remove the Stopper dressing and then the Stopper itself when it is time to perform an ACE washout procedure.
- To remove lift the small silicone tab on the top of the Stopper to help you to grip the Stopper firmly and gently remove.
- Clean the stopper as advised by your prescribing healthcare professional.
- Normally it is cleaned with soap and water then rinsed under the tap and stored in a clean dry place until the ACE catheterisation is complete.
Routine Maintenance of the Aquaflush Stoma Stopper.
Stoma stoppers are relatively short term medical devices which should not be used for more than a maximum of 30 days.
Stoppers are reusable only by the patient they are prescribed for.
They should be cleaned with soap and water after each insertion and allowed to dry before storage in a clean dry place.
If there is any sign of damage to the stopper particularly on the join between stoppers chamfered disc and the stopper shaft do not use the stopper simply replace it with a new one.
Useful Tip: It is advisable to keep a spare unopened Stopper for such unforeseen events.