Leg bag comparison: reported skin health, comfort, and satisfaction

There is little research evidence with consumer-based input on which to base product choices and purchases of leg bags. On discharge from hospital, patients at one Canadian hospital are provided with a latex leg bag which has latex straps, noncoated backing, and a cap which snaps on to the drainage spigot. There is an alternate leg bag available that is latex free with cloth backing, flexible tubing, and cloth leg straps, but it is currently not offered to people as a product choice. Because several discharged patients have reported dermatitis, leg blisters, and loss of the spigot cap with the current product, it was decided to evaluate skin health and subject satisfaction with the 2 leg bag products. These data can be used to provide consumer input to individuals who must use and purchase leg bags.

This was a randomized, crossover study in which men postradical prostatectomy tested both product A (latex-free leg bag with soft elastic straps and cloth backing) and product B (latex leg bag with latex straps and noncoated backing) for 4 to 5 days. Inclusion criteria included the ability to read and speak English, absence of latex allergies, good manual dexterity, and no alteration in mental status.

On postoperative day (POD) 2, potential participants were approached by the clinical nurse educator, who explained the study and invited them to participate; those who agreed to participate were then randomized. Products were rated using the Skin Health Questionnaire and Satisfaction Questionnaire on POD 4 and 8 after discharge; on POD 10, participants were telephoned for further information about skin health and satisfaction with the 2 products. The study end points were any skin irritation with either product. All participants signed informed consent.

Forty-three men postradical prostatectomy were enrolled, 32 tested one or both products, and 30 provided complete data on both products. Results indicated a statistically significant difference in preference for the nonlatex cloth-backed product over the latex-based leg bag. Only 1 case of minor skin irritation occurred; it involved the latex-based leg bag and resolved within 24 hours.

Participants identified the following as preferred features: a secure snap closure, cloth backing, elastic/cloth straps, and flexible tubing. The findings of this study indicate that, in addition to cost, performance should be a key indicator when purchasing products such as leg bags, and consideration should be given to patient comfort.