Introduction

The concept of the Omnigon Stoma Support Belt arose from a series of meetings with senior Stomal Therapist Nurses at a number of major hospitals. The group quickly established that there was a definite need for an appliance that provided effective parastomal hernia control as no satisfactory product existed at the time. What was available was either cosmetically unacceptable, too uncomfortable to wear or had "holes" which contradicted the need for support. Due to poor patient compliance with these products, STN's had little alternative but to provide other, and often "hand-made", solutions for ostomates with hernias.

Consensus at the design stage called for two main features:

This left the challenge of manufacturing a fabric that both provided firm yet comfortable support while still having the flexibility to provide for the normal functioning of the stoma.
After a great deal of research Isoflex was developed, an elasticised fabric that completely satisfied the demanding criteria. Simply fitted with adjustable Velcro closures and elasticised edging, Isoflex provides even and comfortable abdominal support for long periods. Extensive testing with a wide cross section of colostomates, ileostomates and urostomates has shown that Isoflex allows the stoma to function normally while providing the benefit of firm abdominal support.

A great many Stomal Therapists now advocate the use of the Omnigon Support Belt for the management and prevention of parastomal hernias. With over 10,000 units sold they have proved beneficial to virtually every Ostomate with a parastomal hernia and also for those returning to activities, such as sport or physical work or other strenuous activities which could potentially lead to the development of a hernia.