Closed Colostomy Bags Explained: Medical Definition, Indications

2025-12-29
Author: Zodelo Ostomy Bag

Closed colostomy bags are disposable colostomy collection bags without discharge outlets. It is suitable for people with regular bowel movements and well-formed stools. Compared with the two-piece colostomy bag, the closed colostomy Bag has the advantages of being thinner, lighter and more invisible, easier to operate, and having a lower risk of leakage and odor. Therefore, closed colostomy bags are the best choice for many colostomy patients who pursue a high quality of life.

Zodelo is well aware of the importance of the closed colostomy bags for stoma patients. Therefore, based on user experience, we are committed to developing and manufacturing the highest quality and safest ostomy bags and their accessories, so that all users can enjoy a more comfortable and reassuring life. Meanwhile, Zodelo also provides you with the most comprehensive and detailed information on ostomy care. This article will introduce the closed colostomy bags to you in detail.

What to know about closed colostomy bags

1.What are closed colostomy bags?

Closed colostomy bags are disposable colostomy collection bags without discharge outlets. When the bag is full of excrement, it should be removed as a whole and discarded instead of being emptied and reused. Closed colostomy bags consist of skin barrier and closed pouch. It has the function of protecting the skin around the stoma, preventing leakage and odor. The main groups are patients with colostomy, those with formed or semi-formed stools, those with regular bowel movements, and those who have high requirements for privacy, appearance and convenience.

2. Types of Colostomy Bags

Colostomy bags are not limited to closed colostomy bags. There are also the following types of colostomy bags:

One-piece colostomy bag: The baseplateand the bag body cannot be separated. When replacing, the entire bag can be replaced, making it thinner, lighter and more comfortable. The operation is simple and quick, suitable for beginners or those who pursue simple operation.
Two-piece colostomy bag: The baseplateand the ostomy bag body are separated. The base can be adhered to the skin for multiple uses, and only the colostomy bag body needs to be replaced. There is no need to frequently change the chassis, which may irritate the skin. It is suitable for patients with frequent excretion or sensitive skin.
Drainable colostomy bag: The bottom of the colostomy baghas an open excretion port for discharging the excrement inside the ostomy It can be emptied and reused multiple times, which is more economical and practical. It is suitable for patients with loose stools or frequent or large bowel movements, such as those with ileostomy.
Closed-end colostomy bag: No discharge opening, for single use only, and discarded as a whole after use. It is more hygienic, easier to replace, and suitable for people with solid feces or regular excretion patterns, such as patients with ileostomy.

3. How closed colostomy bags system works?

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.

4. Who needs closed colostomy bags?

Colostomy patients

This is the core target group for closed stoma bags, especially for patients with sigmoid colostomy and descending colostomy. Feces usually have regular shapes and controllable odors.

Patients with regular bowel movements

Defecate 1 to 2 times a day.

The excretion time is relatively fixed.

There is no frequent diarrhea or sudden defecation.

People who pay attention to the quality of life and privacy

closed colostomy bags are thinner in shape, close-fitting and concealed.

Emission-free operation, simple and quick to operate.

It is suitable for use at work, socializing and traveling.

Patients with a temporary stoma in the early postoperative period

Psychologically, it is easier to accept the “disposable” approach.

The operation is simpler and the learning cost of nursing is low.

Reduce the cleaning steps to lower the risk of infection.

What are the advantages of closed colostomy bags?

1. Simple operation

No need to empty or clean. Replace the entire bag when it is full. The operation is simple and convenient.
It is especially friendly to patients with new stomas and those in the early postoperative period.
Reduce operational errors (such as improper emptying and bag opening contamination).
Clinical value: Reduce nursing steps and lower nursing dependence.

2. Better hygiene and infection control

Discard directly after each defecation to reduce the exposure of feces, hand contact and secondary contamination. It is particularly important in hospitals, elderly care institutions and home care. It is suitable for people with low immunity.

3. Odor control and privacy protection

Most closed bags adopt: multi-layer anti-odor film and activated carbon filtration system. Closed colostomy bags have a quick replacement process and do not require prolonged exposure of excrement. It offers a greater sense of dignity and privacy protection in social, work and public places.

4.Discretion & Comfort

The structure without an outlet makes the bottom of the bag flatter and thinner, and it is also more invisible and comfortable to wear.

It is not easily visible when wearing close-fitting clothes.

Reduce friction, noise and psychological burden.

What are the disadvantages of closed colostomy bags?

1. High economic cost

For patients who defecate more than twice a day, a new bag needs to be changed each time they defecate. The usage has increased significantly, and the long-term consumable cost is higher than that of the drainable colostomy bag.

2. Not suitable for people with loose stools or frequent bowel movements

Not suitable for: ileostomy, diarrhea, and those with unstable intestinal function.

The risk of bulging and leakage increases.

3. Failure to replace it in time can easily lead to leakage

If the bag is too full.

Increase in weight.

The force on the pasting system increases.

May cause:The chassis is lifted. Skin irritation around the stoma.

4. It is not suitable for those who defecate frequently at night

If the frequency of bowel movements is high at night:

It needs to be changed frequently by getting up.

In contrast: Open-type pockets are more conducive to emptying at night.

Which Type of Ostomy Pouch to Choose: Drainable or Closed colostomy bags?

The closed stoma bag is a disposable, empty-free stoma collection system, suitable for colostomy patients with regular bowel movements. Open pockets are more suitable for people with large or frequent excretion volumes. The correct choice should be based on a comprehensive assessment of medical indications and personal lifestyle.

1. Drainable Ostomy Pouches

Features:

No discharge outlet.
Single-use.
Replace and discard, simple operation.

Suitable for:

Colostomy patients.
Patients with formed excreta and stable frequency.
People who pay attention to the quality of life and privacy.

Advantages:

The risk of leakage is lower.
The appearance is concealed, light, thin and comfortable.
No peculiar smell.
It has higher hygiene.
Better psychological acceptance.
It is closer to daily defecation habits.

2. Closed colostomy bags

Features:

No discharge outlet.
Single-use.
Replace and discard, simple operation.

Suitable for:

Colostomy patients.
Patients with formed excreta and stable frequency.
People who pay attention to the quality of life and privacy.

Advantages:

The risk of leakage is lower.
The appearance is concealed, light, thin and comfortable.
No peculiar smell.
It has higher hygiene.
Better psychological acceptance.
It is closer to daily defecation habits.

Drainable colostomy bagsvs Closed colostomy bags

	Drainable colostomy bags	Closed colostomy bags
Can it be emptied	yes	no
Replacement frequency	low	high
Applicable stoma type	Ileostomy	Colostomy
Excrement form	Loose stool/high flow rate	Forming/semi-forming
Concealment	Better	good
Operational difficulty	medium	low
Long-term cost	Lower	Higher

Considerations when using closed colostomy bags

1. The indications must be strictly matched

Closed colostomy bags are not universal products. They are only suitable for patients with colostomy, whose feces are relatively formed and whose defecation frequency is relatively stable. If closed bags are used for patients with high discharge or loose stools, the risk of leakage, bulging and skin damage is significantly increased.

2. Replace in a timely manner

Recommended replacement time: The bag is filled to 1/3 to 1/2。

Overfilling ：Increasing the force on the skin barrier.

Prolonged stay ：Odor, skin irritation.

3. Pay attention to skin protection

Frequent replacement may lead to: mechanical skin damage and peristomal dermatitis.

Low-allergenic hydrocolloid or silica gel chassis can be used.

Use skin protective films and stoma powder in combination to avoid repeatedly tearing the same area.

4. Waste disposal and privacy protection

The bag should be sealed after use. Discard in accordance with medical/domestic waste regulations.

Appropriate disposal conditions should be provided in public or institutional Settings.

One-Piece vs Two-Piece closed colostomy bags

1.One-Piece Closed Colostomy Bags

The bag body and the skin barrier are an integrated structure. Each time it needs to be replaced, the whole piece must be torn off and re-pasted. It has a simple structure and is thinner and lighter overall.

2.Two-Piece Closed Colostomy Bags

The Wafer is separated from the bag body. The wafer can remain on the skin, and only the bag body needs to be replaced.

The bag body is connected to the chassis through: Mechanical coupling, Adhesive coupling.

3. The difference between One-Piece and Two-Piece closed colostomy bags

	One-Piece Closed Colostomy Bags	Two-Piece Closed Colostomy Bags
Structure	The bag and the skin barrier are integrated	The bag is separated from the base
Each time it is replaced	Overall replacement	Only replace the bag body
Impact on the skin	Frequent tearing and pulling	The frequency of chassis replacement is low
Concealment	good	weak
System flexibility	low	high
Operational complexity	low	Medium

Skin Barrier types For Different Types of Colostomy Bags

Convex Skin Barrier

The raised part in the middle exerts light pressure on the skin around the stoma. It helps to enhance the sealing between the stoma base and the skin, preventing leakage. It is suitable for patients with flat stoma, slight depression, and uneven or wrinkled skin around the stoma.

Flat Skin Barrier

This is the most common type of skin barrier. The surface of the flat skin barrier is smooth and can be directly adhered to the skin. It is suitable for cases where the stoma protrudes and the surrounding skin is flat without any depressions.

Cut-to-Fit Skin Barrier

It can be cut according to the shape of the stoma. It is suitable for patients with irregular stoma shapes or those who have just undergone surgery.

Pre-cut Skin Barrier

The opening size is fixed, eliminating the need for additional cutting and making replacement simpler and more convenient. It is suitable for long-term users with stable stoma dimensions.

Malleable Skin Barrier

The moldable skin barrier can be stretched and shaped. For some patients, the stoma shape is irregular. This barrier can be freely shaped and perfectly fit the skin around the stoma, thereby enhancing the sealing performance, protecting the skin and reducing leakage.

Crucial ostomy accessories Supplies for Those with a Stoma

When choose closed colostomy bags, some additional ostomy accessories products are also indispensable.

Ostomy Skin Care Powder:Helps absorb moisture and protect sensitive skin around the stoma.
Reinforced Ostomy Adhesive Patch: Provides extra security and comfort with breathable fabric support.
Medical Adhesive Remover:Gently dissolves adhesive residue for painless and easy removal.
Ostomy Baseplate Adhesive Remover:Specifically designed to remove baseplate adhesive while protecting the skin.
Ostomy Barrier Ring:Creates a secure seal to prevent leakage and protect the peristomal skin.
Ostomy Skin Barrier Film:Forms a protective layer that shields skin from irritation and adhesives.
Ostomy Skin Barrier Spray:Provides quick, even coverage with a convenient spray application.
Ostomy scissors:Help cut the size of the skin barrier opening and can effectively avoid uneven, rough and angular edges.

Living with a closed colostomy bags

The daily life of a stoma patient involves constantly carrying the stoma bag, and the patient changes or empties the stoma bag according to their own specific conditions.

In the early stage, there may be anxiety and irritability, worrying about others’ strange looks. However, as the operation becomes more proficient and habitual, the stoma bagbecomes a part of the daily life of stoma patients.
Patients with stoma can exercise normally, such as walking, jogging, yoga, swimming, etc. As long as the range of motion is not too large, they should check in time after exercising for any curling or leakage. It is recommended to use sealing ring sealant or a belt in combination to enhance skin adhesion and sealing performance.
Carry spare plastic bags, wet wipes and sealed bags with you to travel with peace of mind. Wearing loose and soft clothing, the bags can be hidden inside the clothes, being light, thin and concealed.
Most stoma patients can return to work smoothly. But they need to prepare a stoma bag in the office and wear loose, comfortable and breathable clothes.

Find The best closed colostomy bags For Your Stoma With Zodelo

Zodelo, founded in 1998, is a professional ostomy bag manufacturer integrating R&D, production, sales and service. With 30 years of industry accumulation, international certification, innovative R&D, as well as the trust and support of users, Zodelo has now become a leading brand in the field of stoma care products in China. And it has passed ISO 13485, CE and FDA certifications, and holds 50 patents. Zodelo offers a full range of products from entry-level to high-end, as well as stoma care accessories, to meet the needs of everyone. Zodelo ostomy products enjoy a global reputation and are widely recognized around the world. Regardless of who needs to stomy bag. It is the best choice for global hospitals, pharmacies, home care product distributors, as well as bulk purchasers and home users.

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Conclusion - closed colostomy bags

For patients with colostomy, closed colostomy bags are not merely a choice of medical consumables. Rather, it is a key solution that directly affects the quality of life, skin health and the efficiency of care. For medical institutions, stoma nurses, distributors and purchasing managers, it is equally crucial to choose a closed colostomy bags system that is truly suitable for the target population, conforms to clinical usage scenarios and has stable quality.

Zodelo is committed to providing best colostomy bag with filter for stoma patients worldwide. We are constantly researching and upgrading stoma care solutions, strictly adhering to medical safety standards, and providing all stoma patients with a reassuring, comfortable and reliable stoma care experience.

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