How does an abdominal support belt improve the quality of life of ostomy patients?
Ostomy patients, who have undergone surgery to create an ostomy (such as a colostomy, ileostomy, or urostomy), face a variety of challenges, ranging from physical pain to psychological impacts.
Prevention of parastomal hernias and associated pain
Parastomal hernias are a common complication(1). They occur when internal tissues or abdominal organs stick out around the stoma opening. This leads to significant pain, swelling, and discomfort. Abdominal belts, by applying targeted compression, reduce the pressure on the abdominal wall(2). One study showed that compression devices like belts improve patient comfort(3).
Everyday support and comfort
Wearing a hip belt and providing support could help reduce discomfort and the risk of leakage and thus promote mobility(4). For many patients, this translates into greater ease in daily activities, such as walking.This helps them regain some independence. Research on the quality of life of ostomy patients has found that supportive devices, by providing increased protection and discretion, promote their social and psychological well-being(4,6,7).
Recovery after surgery
The postoperative period is crucial for healing and recovery. Abdominal belts help stabilize the operated area(3), reducing strain on the healing tissues. They could thus reduce certain complications and promote a gradual return to physical activity.Several trials have shown that these devices significantly improve recovery in patients after complex abdominal surgeries(6.9).
Psychological impact and improvement of body image
Physical appearance and concerns about leaks or odors can severely affect the self-confidence of ostomy patients. Hip belts help reduce the visibility of the ostomy bag while providing a discreet hold of the pouch, reducing appearance anxiety. This helps patients return to their social and professional activities with greater ease.
An example of a solution: Stomex, the Thuasne® abdominal support belt
The STOMEX Ostomy Belt is an abdominal support device for ostomy patients, designed with comfort and ease of use in mind(10,11). It delivers compression using a hook-and-loop elastic fabric (10,12) and incorporates rigid, conformable and removable back bones, contributing to support and positioning, as well as soft and removable abdominal bones accompanying the movements(10).
The device incorporates a hook-and-loop fabric allowing adjustment and support by self-fixing(10,12). Run-resistant section allows for clean cuts without the risk of spinning(10). The materials used are smooth and lightweight, with breathability, moisture-wicking and quick-drying properties(11,13). Reversible design and dual hand loops make it easy to put on, even in patients with reduced grip strength(10).
The STOMEX belt is developed and produced by Thuasne®. The design is protected by patent(12). The size system is based on IFTH anthropometric data, with availability in one height and four sizes(14,15).
Abdominal support belts are medical devices designed to provide support and comfort to ostomy patients. Available evidence suggests that they can help improve aspects of quality of life, including comfort, sense of safety and psychosocial experience, when used in comprehensive care(4,7).
Yeun Ju Sohn et al., 2012. Incidence and Risk Factors of Parastomal Hernia.
CER 14
Haas R, Horton J, Hamson A; Authors. Hernia Support Garments for Parastomal Hernia Following Ostomy Procedure: Rapid Review [Internet]. Ottawa (ON): Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health; 2024 Jan. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK602383/
Pittman, J., Colwell, J., & Mulekar, M. S. (2022). Ostomy complications and quality of life of ostomy Support Belt/Garment wearers. Journal of Wound Ostomy and Continence Nursing, 49(1), 60–68. https://doi.org/10.1097/won.0000000000000843
Jiang, N., Hao, B., Huang, R., Rao, F., Wu, P., Li, Z., Song, C., Liu, Z., & Guo, T. (2020). The Clinical Effects of Abdominal Binder on Abdominal Surgery: A Meta-analysis. Surgical Innovation, 28, 94 - 102. https://doi.org/10.1177/1553350620974825.
Danielsen, A., & Rosenberg, J. (2014). Health Related Quality of Life May Increase when Patients with a Stoma Attend Patient Education – A Case-Control Study. PLoS ONE, 9. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0090354.
Karhu, E.K.; Hernandez, A.E.; Restrepo, A.M.; Hui, V.W. Ostomy Belt Use Improves Quality of Life in Patients with a Stoma. Surgeries 2024, 5, 92-102. https://doi.org/10.3390/surgeries5010011
Saeed S, Rage KA, Memon AS, Kazi S, Samo KA, Shahid S, Ali A. Use of Abdominal Binders after a Major Abdominal Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Cureus. 2019 Oct 3; 11(10):E5832. DOI: 10.7759/cureus.5832. PMID: 31754567; PMCID: PMC6827701.
Watanabe J, Kasahara N, Kiyasu Y, Yamaguchi H, Sata N. Abdominal binders after abdominal surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Am J Surg. 2025 Sep;247:116451. DOI: 10.1016/J.AMJSURG.2025.116451. Epub 2025 May 29. PMID: 40483918.
Usability Test – April 2024 OC2202 OC2203 / Performance Report – OC2202_OC2203
An abdominal support belt is intended to accompany ostomy patients by providing them with daily support. Let's find out in detail the advantages and best practices of an abdominal support belt after this type of operation.
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