How To Care For Colostomy Pouch
Table of Contents
Caring for colostomy pouch is the first step in colostomy care after colostomy surgery. Proper bag care can not only effectively prevent leakage and odor, but also ensure one’s own hygiene and health. Therefore, it is crucial to understand how to care for colostomy pouch.
As a leading ostomy care brand in China, Zodelo is always committed to providing high-quality colostomy pouch for all stoma patients. Help more and more stoma patients regain their confidence and return to a healthy and comfortable life. At the same time, Zodelo also provides the latest knowledge on ostomy care. This article will introduce to you in detail how to care for colostomy pouch.
What is a colostomy?
Colostomy is a surgical procedure that involves creating a stoma in a patient’s abdomen. colostomy is required when patients suffer from intestinal or anal lesions, trauma or are born unable to use it normally. The doctor will remove a part of the colon from the body and connect it to the abdominal wall to form a stoma. Feces and urine can then be expelled from the body through the stoma and flow into the colostomy pouch. Thus replacing the normal excretory function.
1. Types of colostomy
Generally speaking, colostomy can be divided into permanent colostomy and temporary colostomy. Permanent colostomy usually involves the rectum being removed and cannot be restored forever. A temporary colostomy is used to control and protect the wound from infection and can recover after the condition stabilizes.
Colostomy can be classified by surgical site as:
Ascending Colostomy(located in the lower right abdomen), Ascending Colostomy(located on the midline of the upper abdomen or the upper right abdomen),Descending Colostomy(located in the lower left abdomen), Sigmoid Colostomy(located in the lower left abdomen near the groin).
Colostomy can be classified into End Colostomy,Loop Colostomy and Double-Barrel Colostomy based on stoma morphology.
2. What conditions are treated with colostomy?
- Cancers:such as colorectal cancer, anal canal cancer, advanced intestinal cancer obstruction, etc.
- Inflammation: such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, Diverticulitis, etc.
- External trauma: such as abdominal or anal damage caused by car accidents, knife wounds, gunshot wounds, etc
- Surgical complications:Intestinal anastomotic fistula or postoperative stenosis, etc
- Congenital diseases: such as congenital Imperforate Anus or intestinal malformations, etc
3. What are the benefits of a colostomy?
- Saving lives: Alleviating intestinal obstruction, it can contact intestinal pressure and dilate, preventing intestinal perforation and sepsis. Effectively prevent fecal contamination of the abdominal cavity and reduce the risk of fatal peritonitis.
- Maintain normal physiological functions:Help patients have normal excretory functions and ensure the normal metabolic functions of the body.
- Help with recovery: It can temporarily divert feces after the operation, effectively preventing excrement from contaminating the wound, and avoiding infection and inflammation.
- Improving quality of life: colostomy and colostomy pouch can effectively help patients control their excretion, avoid excretion contamination and odor, make daily life more reassuring and comfortable, and help restore confidence.
4. What are the risks of a colostomy?
- Bleeding: The stoma may bleed after the operation.
- Infection and inflammation: If not properly cared for, it may lead to infection and inflammation of the skin around the stoma, causing redness, swelling, itching and ulceration.
- Intestinal obstruction:Postoperative intestinal adhesion or twisting can lead to recurrent intestinal obstruction
- Stoma necrosis:Insufficient blood supply or excessive stoma tension may lead to stoma necrosis.
What is a colostomy pouch system?
The Colostomy pouch is a medical supply specially designed for patients with colostomy. colostomy pouch can collect the excrement discharged from the stoma, avoiding embarrassment and unpleasant odors, and effectively protecting the skin around the stoma. Understanding the what is a colostomy pouch system is a prerequisite For learning How To Care For Colostomy Pouch. It is also an important tool for patients to return to a normal life, maintain confidence and a comfortable life.
2. The composition of Colostomy pouch
- Bag body:This bag body is usually made of sealed soft materials. It is used to collect the excrement discharged from the junction. It features leak-proof, odor-proof, skin-friendly and soft properties.
- Baseplateor skin barrier: Basically made of hydrocolloid or silicone material, it is adhered around the stoma skin to fix the bag body, which can prevent excrement from contaminating the skin and prevent leakage.
- Discharge outlet:The discharge outlet is located at the bottom of the colostomy pouch and is used to discharge loose feces or liquid discharges. After emptying, close the discharge port and the patient can continue to use it
- Bag-making accessory:Activated carbon filter, which can absorb odors and prevent them from leaking. Leak-proof rings and leak-proof paste are used to achieve stronger sealing and adhesion, preventing leakage.
3. Types of colostomy pouch
- One piece colostomy pouch:The base of the One piece colostomy pouch is connected to the bag body and cannot be separated. Use it as a whole and discard it as a whole. The replacement operation is simple with few steps, making it suitable for beginners or those with inflexibility in hand operation.
- Two piece colostomy pouch: The chassis of the Two piece colostomy pouch is separated from the bag body. The base can be used multiple times when adhered to the skin. When replacing, only the bag body needs to be replaced. It reduces the irritation to the skin at the stoma caused by frequent changes of the tearing base and is more skin-friendly. Suitable for people with sensitive skin or those who seek cost-effectiveness.
- Drainable colostomy pouch: The bottom of the drainable colostomy pouch has an opening for discharging excrement and can be reused multiple times after being emptied. There is no need for frequent replacement, reducing irritation to the stoma. It is more skin-friendly and also more convenient and simple.
- Closed-end colostomy pouch: The bottom of the Closed colostomy pouch is closed and cannot be discharged. Single-use, discard after use, convenient and fast, no need to empty and clean, simple to operate.
4. How does a colostomy pouch work?
- Form a seal
The colostomy pouch adheres closely to the Skin through the Skin Barrier or Baseplate to form a seal. It is used to prevent leakage and gas leakage, and at the same time fix the entire colostomy pouch.
- Collect excrement
After passing through the stoma, excrement will be discharged and stored in the colostomy pouch. The colostomy pouch body has the functions of preventing leakage and odor.
- Empty the excrement
When the storage capacity in one piece colostomy pouch or drainable colostomy pouch reaches a certain level, it needs to be emptied in time. Their bottoms have openings that can be used to discharge the excrement inside the colostomy pouch.
- Exhaust and odor removal
Some colostomy Pouches are equipped with activated carbon filtration systems. It can automatically adsorb gas, remove odors and effectively avoid the problem of colostomy pouch swelling.
How To Care For Colostomy Pouch
To learn How To Care For Colostomy Pouch scientifically and reasonably, the following six aspects need to be noted:
1.Regularly inspect and replace the colostomy pouch
- Timely replacement and emptying: Generally, it should be replaced every 1 to 3 days, or when the excrement in the colostomy pouch reaches one-third or half, it needs to be emptied and replaced in a timely manner.
- Night management:Before going to bed, it is necessary to empty or replace the colostomy pouch in time. Or you can also use the large-capacity colostomy pouch to reduce the frequency of getting up at night.
- Daily inspection: After taking a bath, exercising, going out, or sweating on the skin, it is necessary to promptly check if there is any leakage or lifting at the edges of the colostomy pouch.
2.Proper cleaning
- Learning How To clean properly is the key to learning How To Care For Colostomy Pouch.
- When changing the colostomy pouch to clean the skin, gently wipe it with warm water and a wet wipe. After cleaning, be sure to wait until the skin is dry before applying the skin barrier.
- If there is residual glue on the skin surface, it can be removed thoroughly using medical adhesive remover.
- After emptying the colostomy pouch body, gently wipe the colostomy pouch opening and the bottom with warm water or neutral detergent, and then close the outlet.
- Avoid using wet wipes containing alcohol or fragrance to prevent skin irritation.
3.Maintain airtightness
- Learning maintain airtightness is also the key to learning How To Care For Colostomy Pouch.
- Regularly check the adhesion and sealing of the skin barrier or baseplate to the skin. If there is warping or leakage, it should be replaced in time.
- When necessary, sealing rings or ostomy skin barrier film can be used to enhance the sealing performance and reduce the possibility of leakage.
- If leakage persists for a long time, one should go to the hospital for treatment in time.
4. Odor and Gas Management
- You can choose the colostomy pouch with an activated carbon filter device, which automatically exhausts and adsorbs odors.
- Avoid eating foods and beverages that produce excessive gas, such as beans, Onions, carbonated drinks, etc.
- Avoid eating foods with strong odors, such as Onions, cabbages, broccoli, etc.
- Deodorizing products such as deodorizing drops and deodorizing sprays can be used to reduce unpleasant odors.
5. Regarding clothing
Try to wear loose, soft, light and breathable clothes. Avoid overly tight or hard clothing squeezing the stoma, and at the same time, make it more invisible within loose clothing.Comfortable clothing is also the key to learning how to care for the colostomy pouch
6. Going out and socializing
- Before going out, prepare new colostomy pouches, cleaning wipes, ostomy series products, etc. in advance.
- You can choose the most suitable colostomy pouch according to your outdoor activities. If it cannot be replaced for a long time, a large-capacity colostomy pouch can be used. Use the small-capacity, lightweight one piece colostomy pouch when doing exercise and fitness.
- When socializing, you can choose the colostomy pouch with an activated carbon filter device, or use deodorizing spray in advance, etc.
How to care for a colostomy stoma
Understanding How to care for a colostomy stoma is a prerequisite For learning How To Care for a Colostomy Pouch. The following five aspects mainly need to be noted:
1. Regular inspection and measurement
Observe every day whether the color, shape and amount of secretions of the stoma are normal. A healthy stoma should be bright red and moist, and free of any unpleasant odor.
Regularly measure the diameter of the stoma. The size of the opening of the cutting base should be 1-2mm larger than the diameter of the stoma. If it is too large or too small, it may cause leakage and skin infection.
2. Proper cleaning
When cleaning, gently wipe the skin around the stoma with warm water and a wet wipe. Be sure to avoid using wet wipes or body washes containing alcohol or fragrance to prevent irritation to the skin around the stoma.
Pat dry gently with a soft, non-fibrous paper towel. After it is dry, stick the baseplate or skin barrier to prevent it from sticking loosely.
3. Prevent skin diseases
When the skin around the stoma becomes red, swollen, itchy or even eroded, there may be leakage that causes the excrement to irritate the skin. It is necessary to check the cause of the leakage in time. Stoma powder, sealing tape can be used and a new colostomy pouch can be replaced.
When the stoma prolapses, it may be caused by increased abdominal pressure or lifting heavy objects. It is important to avoid applying excessive force, or you can use support straps. Avoiding skin diseases around the stoma is also key to learning how to care for the colostomy pouch
4. Pay attention to the condition of the stoma
- If the stoma discharge suddenly increases or decreases and the stool color is abnormal, intestinal obstruction or infection should be suspected.
- If there is swelling, pain or even bleeding around the stoma, one should go to the hospital for treatment in time.
- If the stoma is severely depressed or protruding, one should go to the hospital for treatment in time.
Changing the colostomy pouch
One of the most crucial steps in learning How To Care For the colostomy pouch is learning to replace the colostomy pouch.
1. Steps for changing your colostomy pouch
Step 1: Prepare the necessary items
- New colostomy pouch system:Choose the colostomy pouch that suits you best.
- Stoma scissors:Cut an opening that matches the size of the stoma to prevent leakage or friction at the stoma from being too large or too small
- Wet wipes or soft tissues: They are used to clean the skin around the stoma. Avoid using wet wipes with added alcohol or fragrance to prevent skin irritation.
- Warm water: Mild and non-irritating.
- Measuring card:Used for measuring the diameter of the stoma.
- Glue remover:Helps remove the residual adhesive on the adhered chassis.
- Stoma powder:It is used to keep the stoma area dry and comfortable and help the base adhere more firmly.
- Sealing rings and leak-proof paste:Fill the creases or depressions around the stoma skin to enhance sealing performance and prevent leakage.
- Then choose a clean and bright place to replace it.
Step 2: Wash your hands
Before replacement, wash your hands thoroughly to keep them clean and avoid contaminating the stoma and causing infection during the process
Step 3: Remove the old colostomy pouch
Hold the skin with one hand and gently remove the adhered base from top to bottom. If the glue is stuck too firmly, you can use a glue remover spray.
Discard the old colostomy pouch.
Step 4: Observe the stoma
A normal stoma should be bright red and moist. If the color turns black or purple or there is erosion and exudation, you should go to the hospital for treatment in time
Step 5: Clean the skin around the stoma
Gently wipe the stoma with warm water and a wet wipe until it is clean
Stoma powder can be used to keep the skin around the stoma comfortable and dry
Step 6: Measure the diameter of the stoma
Measure the stoma with a measuring card to determine its diameter
Step 7: Cutting
Based on the measured diameter, the opening diameter of the cutting base needs to be increased by 1-2mm. Confirm that the cutting edge is smooth and flat
Step 8: Paste the wafer
Remove the undercarriage backing and gently press against the stoma
Check for any wrinkles or curled edges around to ensure a firm and seamless bond
Step 9: Inspection and organization
Empty the bottom of the colostomy pouch, fold it and fasten the clips or Velcro tightly. Finally, check if it is sealed.
2. How often to change the colostomy pouch?
- One piece colostomy pouch: The skin barrier cannot be separated from the pouch body. It is generally recommended to replace it every 1 to 3 days.
- Two piece colostomy pouch: The base is separated from the colostomy pouch body. The base can be adhered to the skin for 3 to 5 days, and the colostomy pouch body can be emptied and replaced according to its own usage.
- Drainable colostomy pouch: The replacement frequency depends on the patient’s discharge Generally, more than half of the excrement in the pouch needs to be emptied.
- Closed-end colostomy pouch:For single use only. Replace with a new colostomy pouch after each excretion.
3. How to empty the colostomy pouch?
- While learning How To Care For the Colostomy Pouch, it is also essential to learn to empty the colostomy pouch.
- Prepare the necessary items: a new colostomy pouch, wet wipes or tissues, a toilet or a potty.
- Choose a clean and bright place to replace it.
- Wash your hands thoroughly
- Align the opening of the potty with the toilet or potty
- Slowly open the drain at the bottom of the colostomy pouch and align it with the toilet. Make sure the discharge outlet is close to the edge of the toilet.
- Gently press the colostomy pouch body with your hand to help it empty more smoothly and comprehensively
- Rinse the inside of the colostomy pouch with water to keep it clean.
- Re-close the bottom clip or Velcro, and make sure the colostomy pouch opening is tightly sealed to prevent any residue from seeping out.
Where should I purchase an colostomy pouch system?
The purchase of the most suitable colostomy pouch system For oneself is the key To learning How To Care For Colostomy Pouch. It can be purchased mainly from the following four places:
1. Hospital
Under the guidance of professional doctors, you can choose the most suitable products for yourself and directly obtain the most professional and accurate knowledge about stoma care. It offers greater security guarantees and can be reimbursed by medical insurance. But the drawback is that the cost is slightly higher.
2. Pharmacies and medical supply stores
It can be purchased quickly and restocked in time. However, the batch number and expiration date of the product need to be verified.
3. Medical consumables distributors or medical device companies
Bulk purchases are possible to obtain wholesale prices. It is necessary to choose companies and distributors with formal medical device qualifications (such as Zodelo).
4. Brand Official Website (Zodelo)
Zodelo, as a professional colostomy pouch supplier, We offer a comprehensive product line from entry-level to premium: Airlora Series, Calmlora Series, Mellora Series, Joylora Series and Ostomy Product Accessories.—there’s always one that fits your daily routine.
We also had ISO13485, CE, and FDA certifications, bring you the most reassuring and high-quality ostomy care. We offer you one-stop service and worry-free after-sales support.
When you should call the doctor
When the following situations occur, it is necessary to go to the hospital in time for treatment to prevent the condition from worsening further：
- Sudden severe abdominal pain, vomiting, abdominal distension and other conditions may indicate intestinal obstruction.
- If the color of the stoma turns dark purple or black, it may indicate insufficient blood supply to the stoma or stoma necrosis.
- Massive bleeding from the stoma or abdominal wall incision;
- Persistent high fever;
- Severe prolapse of the stoma affects defecation function.
- The skin shows symptoms such as itching, pain, erosion and exudation.
FAQs about How To Care For Colostomy Pouch
Q1. Can you still poop with a colostomy pouch?
Yes, but the feces are discharged from the stoma.
If the patient receives Permanent end colostomy, they will no longer defecate through the anus. Feces will be excreted through the stoma for life and enter the colostomy pouch.
If the patient is receiving Temporary colostomy, during the presence of the stoma, feces will be discharged through the stoma into the colostomy pouch. After the surgical site has recovered, the stoma can be closed and anal defecation can be resumed.
Q2. What is the difference between a one-piece colostomy pouch and a two-piece colostomy pouch?
- One piece colostomy pouch: The base of the One piece colostomy pouch is connected to the colostomy pouch body and cannot be separated. Use it as a whole and discard it as a whole. The replacement operation is simple with few steps, making it suitable for beginners or those with inflexibility in hand operation.
- Two piece colostomy pouch: The chassis of the Two piece colostomy pouch is separated from the colostomy pouch body. The base can be used multiple times when adhered to the skin. When replacing, only the colostomy pouch body needs to be replaced. It reduces the irritation to the skin at the stoma caused by frequent changes of the tearing base and is more skin-friendly. Suitable for people with sensitive skin or those who seek cost-effectiveness.
Q3. What to do when colostomy pouch keeps leaking?
When colostomy pouch keeps leaking, we first need to check the cause of the leak. Replace the colostomy pouch with a new one to prevent the skin around the stoma from getting infected due to the continuous contamination of excrement.
If leakage is caused by an inappropriate size of the chassis, the diameter of the stoma needs to be remeasured to ensure that the opening of the base plate is 1-2 millimeters larger than the air hole. Avoid having the opening diameter of the chassis too large or too small, which may cause leakage or friction against the skin.
Meanwhile, when replacing, use Ostomy accessories products, such as sealing rings and sealing pastes, to enhance the sealing performance and prevent leakage.
If the leakage persists, it is necessary to go to the hospital in time to prevent the stoma from worsening further.It is also the key to learning how to care for the colostomy pouch
Conclusion — How To Care For Colostomy Pouch
Understanding how To Care For Colostomy Pouch is an important step towards health and confidence. Incorrect operation methods can cause leakage and more concurrent problems. Therefore, both the patients themselves and their families should understand How To Care For Colostomy Pouch. When encountering serious or unsolvable problems, one should go to the hospital for treatment in time.
At Zodelo, every step from material selection to meticulous design stems from a belief: to reduce users’ worries and enhance their comfort. Zodelo will always be by your side. If you have any needs, Get our product catalog and contact us！
More Resourses:
- Colostomy Care— ncbi
- Colostomy— clevelandclinic
- Changing your ostomy pouch— medlineplus
- A Guide to Ostomy Bags and Pouching Systems— uchicagomedicine
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