How to Keep Stoma Scissors Sharp: Tips from a Nurse

In case this is of use to anyone else:

I was visiting my stoma nurse yesterday and asked why stoma scissors go blunt so quickly - she said it's the glue from the bags and giving the blades a wipe with a cotton wool patch soaked in acetone or nail polish remover removes the glue. Just don't cut yourself. 

My grandmother used to take a straight pin in one hand and scissors in the other as if to cut it. Instead, quickly run it out of the crotch as you cut at it. Try to keep it moving quickly enough not to catch it, else it stumbles.

I've never really verified that this technique works, but give it a whirl.

Yep…works well, I have also used my ConvaTec adhesive remover wipe - this works too…jb

I use a rubbing alcohol wipe, and good point you're bringing up. My question is why aren't our manufacturers sending us out a new pair every 6 months or at least once a year? I think they should.

I'm still using the same scissors I was given at the hospital, over five years ago now.  They are the curved blade kind, and still as sharp as the day I got them.  I've often wondered what I will do when they get dull.  Does anyone know if the ostomy product makers sell these things?

Terry

How to Manage Ostomy Leaks with LeeAnne Hayden | Hollister

My new kitten keeps stealing my scissors and hiding them. I go to Wal Mart and buy another pair. Often.

Mine are from Coloplast or Convatec, don’t remember which. Curved, round tip so you can’t puncture the bag, and still as good as new after 3+ years. 

I have had the same curved pair for eight years, they work the same as on the first day.

From all these responses, it seems like not all scissors are created equal.  Are the ones that are getting dull quickly the strait blade kind?  Are the curved blade kind longer lasting?  I use the curved blade kind because I find they work way better.  Never could figure out how people cut a proper hole with the straight edge ones.

Terry

I get a new pair with each ostomy supply delivery.

Before I use them, I wipe the blade edges with Acetone, then follow up with an IPA alcohol wipe.  Then use a fine oilstone to sharpen the edges.  They cut really smooth for a long time.  

Any glue build up is easily removed with the IPA.

Thanks Beachboy, what's an IPA?

Thanks Terry, I use both, depending on sharpness but I'm rubbish at this task. Mine end up looking like they have badly cut fringes / bangs.

Wow! I wonder whether the difference is hand muscle strength?

Oh, that's why they are curved!!

So cute!!

Great idea! It seems so obvious now!

Hi, I used curved, not straight. The straight ones are an accident waiting to happen; in my opinion, they shouldn't even make straight ones for an ostomy bag. And mine, even though I take good care of them and clean them, seem not to work well for too long.

These are what I use, I’ve never done all that cleaning with alcohol wipes, etc. like a lot of you have done. 🤷‍♂️ Looks like they cost $5-6 at most places. 

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Me too. When I can find where Birthday hid them.

IPA:  Isopropyl Alcohol  

I use it to clean surfaces of glue.  Also good for cleaning surfaces before sticking something on.

I have a dash cam.  Used IPA to clean the windshield glass, then stuck on the mount that had a sticky pad.  

Thanks Worzie, I’m going to try it today.

Thanks Beachboy. Where do you get isopropyl alcohol? Do hardware shops or pharmacies sell it? I worked in a pharmacy once, we had a bunch of methylated spirits addicts who used to  wait outside until we were busy, then run in and pinch a bottle of meths. These guys were tragic, really sad! I still hate the sight of it. 

Thanks Alex. This is my favourite style, it’s less of a strain with these. I’ll need to find a source in the UK

So somewhere in your house there's a big pile of scissors.  Do you have a magnet?

;O)

Available from Amazon.

Hand cleaner wipes (that come in small sealed packets) have IPA. Also, adhesive remover wipes can be used too, the same ones used to remove a wafer.

Thanks beachboy. I did a big clean of the scissors yesterday and they are ...scissor sharp now! I never thought of the adhesive remover wipes, my brain is a bit punk since my surgery, I didn't put adhesive remover together with removing adhesive!! Doh!!

Oh wow! I never thought of that, I actually have a special hoojiemajig magnet for picking up sewing pins. But genuinely, I don't know where it is. Seriously!! I must tidy my house, Santa won't be able to find a chimney! 

Have you tried cleaning them with the adhesive remover wipes? It worked for me! Or nail polish remover.

I had a big whinge to Coloplast and they sent me two pairs of scissors. I could almost hear them harrumphing when I asked though. 

I hope I can remember the word "whinge"... I had to look it up, and it is easier on the ears than "whine"... Can I borrow it from time to time? "I became unhinged and whinged." ... jb