A New Method for Ileostomy Output Collection Using an Intestinal Tampon

A New Method for Ileostomy Output Collection Using an Intestinal Tampon: An Extended Study

The goal of this interventional study is to learn if a specialized absorbent intestinal tampon can effectively collect ileostomy output. The main questions it aims to answer are:

• Can participants successfully self-insert the intestinal tampon?
• What is the level of discomfort or pain associated with the insertion and use of the tampon?

Researchers will compare different tampon designs and coatings to find the most suitable one for insertion and retention. Participants will:

• Be observed and interviewed during the insertion of the tampon by a medical consultant.
• Self-insert the tampon under supervision and later independently.
• Provide feedback on their experience, including any discomfort or pain using a numerical rating scale (NRS).
• Provide stool samples before and after using the tampon for microbiome analysis.

This study aims to determine the feasibility and user acceptance of the intestinal tampon as an alternative to traditional stoma bags, potentially reducing complications and improving the quality of life for people with an ileostomy.

Study Overview

• Status: Completed
• Conditions: Ileostomy - Stoma
• Intervention / Treatment: Device: Specialized Absorbent Intestinal Tampon

Detailed Description

Study Overview This study aims to evaluate the feasibility and user acceptance of a specialized absorbent intestinal tampon designed to collect ileostomy output. The study seeks to address the limitations and complications associated with traditional stoma bags, which have been the standard solution since the 1950s.

Background and Rationale Approximately 1 million people worldwide live with an ileostomy, relying on stoma bags to collect liquid stool. Despite innovations in materials and design, stoma bags still cause significant physical and mental discomfort. Issues include the unsightly appearance of the bag, leakage, noise, and skin irritation. These problems can lead to a reduced quality of life and increased healthcare costs due to skin complications.

The specialized absorbent intestinal tampon is hypothesized to be a discreet and effective alternative to stoma bags. It is designed to be self-inserted by the user, absorb liquid stool, and reduce the complications associated with stoma bags. Previous studies have shown that the tampon can be safely inserted by a healthcare professional, and this study aims to determine if users can safely and effectively insert the tampon themselves.

Study Design and Methods The study is a continuation of a proof-of-concept trial with a qualitative design. It involves observing and interviewing participants during the insertion of the tampon, both by a medical consultant and by the participants themselves. The study will test different tampon designs and coatings to find the most suitable one for insertion and retention.

Participants:

10 individuals with ileostomies, previously screened and included in the study. Inclusion criteria: Age ≥ 18 years, ileostomy > 6 months old, written informed consent, stoma opening ≥ 10 mm in diameter.

Exclusion criteria: Difficulty understanding study information, somatic illness, active inflammatory bowel disease, hernia around the stoma, daily output > 2 liters, active inflammation in the ileum.

Procedures:

Day 1:

Participants arrive at the study site. A medical consultant inserts the tampon and observes the participant. Participants then self-insert the tampon under supervision. The procedure is repeated with different tampon designs, up to three times.

Day 2:

Participants self-insert the tampon using the best method from Day 1. Stool samples are collected before and after tampon use for microbiota analysis.

Participants are interviewed about their experience, including any discomfort or pain using a numerical rating scale (NRS).

The tampon remains in place for up to 6 hours, with participants free to move and eat.

The tampon is removed, and another stool sample is collected. Further testing and iterations may be conducted at home with detailed documentation and follow-up interviews.

Data Collection:

Qualitative data from interviews and observations. Quantitative data from NRS scores for pain and discomfort. Microbiota analysis of stool samples before and after tampon use.

Risks and Benefits The study aims to minimize any discomfort or complications associated with the tampon. Previous safety data indicate no serious risks, but participants are trained and supervised during insertion. Potential risks include pain during insertion, expansion, or removal of the tampon, and rare complications such as tampon retention or perforation.

The potential benefits of the study are significant, as the tampon could provide a more discreet and comfortable alternative to stoma bags, improving the quality of life for individuals with ileostomies.

Ethical Considerations The study adheres to ethical guidelines, including informed consent, data protection, and participant safety. Results will be published in a peer-reviewed journal and on the sponsor's website, regardless of the outcome.

Conclusion This study aims to provide valuable insights into the feasibility and user acceptance of a specialized absorbent intestinal tampon for ileostomy patients. By addressing the limitations of traditional stoma bags, the tampon has the potential to significantly improve the quality of life for individuals with ileostomies.

• Study Type: Interventional
• Enrollment (Actual): 10
• Phase: Not Applicable

Contacts and Locations

Study Locations

• Denmark
  • Copenhagen, Denmark, 1620
    • Ampa Medical

Participation Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

• Ages Eligible for Study: Adult; Older Adult
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: No

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age ≥ 18 years
• Ileostomy > 6 months old
• Stoma opening ≥ 10 mm in diameter
• Written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Difficulty understanding study information, including language barriers
• Somatic illness, including active inflammatory bowel disease
• Hernia around the stoma
• Daily output > 2 liters
• Active inflammation in the ileum (diagnosed within 2 months before the study day)

Study Plan

How is the study designed?

Design Details

• Primary Purpose: Device Feasibility
• Allocation: N/A
• Interventional Model: Single Group Assignment
• Masking: None (Open Label)

Number of Arms

1

Arms and Interventions

Participant Group / Arm

Intervention / Treatment

Experimental: Specialized Absorbent Intestinal Tampon Group; Participants in this arm will receive the specialized absorbent intestinal tampon designed to collect ileostomy output. The study will evaluate the feasibility, safety, and user acceptance of the tampon.

Device: Specialized Absorbent Intestinal Tampon; The specialized absorbent intestinal tampon is designed to be self-inserted by participants with ileostomies. It aims to collect ileostomy output and improve the quality of life by reducing complications associated with traditional stoma bags. The study will test different tampon designs and coatings to find the most suitable one for insertion and retention. Participants will be observed and interviewed during the insertion process, and their feedback on discomfort or pain will be collected using a numerical rating scale (NRS). Stool samples will be collected before and after tampon use for microbiota analysis.

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Feasibility of Self-Insertion of the Intestinal Tampon	This measure will assess the feasibility of self-inserting the specialized absorbent intestinal tampon. Feasibility will be determined by the percentage of successful insertions, as well as participant feedback and medical consultant observations, which will be reported separately.	Day 1 and Day 2 of the study

Secondary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Level of Discomfort or Pain During Insertion and Use	This measure will evaluate the level of discomfort or pain experienced by participants during the insertion and use of the intestinal tampon. Participants will rate their pain using a numerical rating scale (NRS) from 0 to 10.	Day 2 of the study
Changes in Microbiota Composition	This measure will analyze changes in the microbiota composition of stool samples collected before and after using the intestinal tampon. The analysis will focus on the relative abundance of different bacterial species.	Before and after tampon use on Day 2

Collaborators and Investigators

• Sponsor: Ampa Medical

Study record dates

Study Major Dates

• Study Start (Actual): December 10, 2024
• Primary Completion (Actual): July 31, 2025
• Study Completion (Actual): August 31, 2025

Study Registration Dates

• First Submitted: January 20, 2025
• First Submitted That Met QC Criteria: March 20, 2025
• First Posted (Actual): March 26, 2025

Study Record Updates

• Last Update Posted (Actual): December 5, 2025
• Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria: December 4, 2025
• Last Verified: December 1, 2025

More Information

Terms related to this study

• Keywords: Ileostomy; Stoma care; Stoma management
• Other Study ID Numbers: H-23000001

Plan for Individual participant data (IPD)

• Plan to Share Individual Participant Data (IPD)?: NO

Drug and device information, study documents

• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product: No
• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product: No
• product manufactured in and exported from the U.S.: No