A sister's need, a global solution - the personal story behind Coloplast

In 1954, a simple yet transformative idea was born out of a deep personal need. Thora Sørensen, a 32-year-old woman from Denmark, had undergone a life-saving ostomy surgery after being diagnosed with colorectal cancer. While the operation preserved her life, it also left her feeling isolated. The ostomy devices available at the time were unreliable, often leading to leaks and discomfort. This fear of accidents in public kept Thora confined to her home, limiting her ability to engage with the world.

Observing her sister’s distress, Elise Sørensen, a trained nurse, sought to find a solution that would help Thora restore her confidence and independence. She envisioned a discreet, secure, and easy-to-use ostomy bag—a device that would offer her sister peace of mind and a renewed sense of freedom. Inspired by newly available plastics, Elise conceptualized the world’s first disposable, self-adhesive ostomy pouch.

Determined to turn this vision into reality, Elise approached several manufacturers, only to be met with rejection. Finally, she connected with Aage Louis-Hansen, a Danish civil engineer and plastics manufacturer, and his wife, Johanne Louis-Hansen, a nurse. Recognizing the potential impact of Elise's idea, they combined their technical expertise with her practical knowledge to develop a functional prototype.

The initial pouches were meticulously crafted by hand, with Thora being among the first to test them. Encouraged by their success, Elise distributed nearly a thousand units to hospitals, where they were met with widespread approval from both patients and medical professionals. The demand for the product quickly outpaced expectations. In 1957, Aage Louis-Hansen founded the now famous Coloplast, a company dedicated to producing and distributing the ostomy bags on a larger scale. Within just two years, the majority of their production was being exported, underscoring the urgent global need for such a solution.

What began as a nurse’s desire to help her sister became a life-changing innovation for thousands of people worldwide. The introduction of the self-adhesive ostomy pouch revolutionized ostomy care, empowering individuals to lead active and fulfilling lives. Over time, Coloplast expanded its expertise beyond ostomy care, developing solutions in continence care, wound and skin care, and interventional urology. Today, Coloplast is a global leader in intimate healthcare, recognized for its commitment to innovation, user-centered design, and improving quality of life for millions worldwide.

Adapted from:
https://www.coloplast.com/about-coloplast/history/?srsltid=AfmBOooRyRHS7...
https://www.drugwatch.com/manufacturers/coloplast/#:~:text=Coloplast's%20History,afraid%20to%20leave%20her%20house.