[A new system to treat ostomy in Spain]

Esteem synergy (ConvaTec, S.L., Group Bristol-Myers Squibb) is a new device for ostomized patients which displays differential characteristics and combines the benefits of the traditional one- and two-piece systems. A cross-sectional, multicentric, prospective study was conducted to evaluate the performance of Esteem synergy in clinical practice in Spain. 114 investigators participated in the study and 591 ostomized patients--colostomy, ileostomy--were included. The period of evaluation was 16 weeks. Objectives were defined in terms of effectiveness, security, comfort, impact on the quality of life and global valuation. The inclusion questionnaire form, the in-hospital evaluation and the out-patient evaluation, applied to each patient and developed in a quantitative, qualitative and general evaluation of the new system. Results were classified as "very good" in all parameters measured, with no differences between the in-hospital and the out-patients evaluations. The global performance of the dressing was valued positively by most of the patients. The device was valued by patients like "very good" or "good" in all the evaluations and independently of the scope of evaluation. We concluded that Esteem synergy seems to be the suitable system to use for ostomized in- and out-patients.