Abstract
Pancaking, eponymously named for its flat circular shape, presents a challenge for those with ostomies and healthcare workers alike. Stomal effluent, once extruded from the stomal opening, may adhere to the two planes of the ostomy pouch, in a flat circular shape. This adhesion prevents the effluent from migrating to the base of the ostomy pouch and creates a blockage that may cause any subsequent effluent to be forced back around the stomal opening, causing leakage and in severe cases ostomy pouch detachment. This thesis seeks to understand the differing types of ostomy and the challenges associated with each subtype before applying this knowledge to the creation of a synthetic pancaking model. This model is intended for use in commercial development to aid with the creation of anti-pancaking surfaces, to improve the health outcomes of chronically panicking patients. The synthetic model was subsequently used to challenge developed anti-pancaking surfaces. Several surface development methodologies were initially investigated before research focused on atmospheric plasma treatment and UV-initiated hydrogels. A prototype anti-pancaking colostomy pouch was developed and tested against the synthetic stomal model, showing a reduction in pouch-model adherence and thus pancaking. Whilst pancaking is a common issue amongst ostomy patients, particularly those with colostomies, the causative factors are not fully understood. Whilst the putative belief is that pancaking has a multifactorial causation, patients with ostomies were interviewed to determine what lifestyle factors may have an impact on pancaking frequency and severity. Several factors were highlighted as possible influencing factors including, exercise levels, fiber intake and underlaying gastrointestinal disease. Whilst lifestyle factors have a role in pancaking, the microbiome of patients with ostomies was investigated, alongside their calprotectin levels. No difference was found between the microbiome of the ostomy patients and samples taking from patients with an assumed healthy gastrointestinal tract.Thesis is embargoed until 31 July 2030.
| Date of Award | Jul 2025 |
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| Original language | English |
| Awarding Institution |
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| Sponsors | TG Eakin Ltd |
| Supervisor | Michael Tunney (Supervisor) & Colin McCoy (Supervisor) |