Types of Colostomy Pouches

2025-09-22
Author: Zodelo Ostomy

Colostomy pouches are medical supplies specially designed for patients who have undergone stoma surgery. They usually consist of a sealed collection pouch and a bonded base plate. It is used to help patients collect excrement and lead a normal and worry-free life. Why is it crucial to understand the types of colostomy pouches? Because different patients often have different conditions, physical conditions and living environments, it is necessary to choose different types of colostomy pouches according to their own needs. Incorrect selection may lead to leakage, discomfort and even skin damage.

Zodelo does not merely sell colostomy pouch products, it is also a trusted partner for stoma patients. For many years, we have always taken customer experience and needs as the foundation, continuously optimizing and upgrading based on real customer feedback, all for the purpose of satisfying all stoma patients. In this article, we will provide you with a detailed introduction to the types of colostomy pouches and how to choose the one that best suits you.

What is a Colostomy Pouches?

1. Definition of a colostomy pouch

Colostomy pouches are medical supplies designed for patients who have undergone stoma surgery and whose excrement cannot pass through the intestine or anus.
The doctor will make an incision in the patient’s abdomen as an outlet for excretion. At this time, a pouch is connected to the stoma to receive the excrement, which is called a colostomy pocket.

2. What is a colostomy stoma?

Colostomy stoma is an opening made by a doctor in the patient’s abdomen after surgery to expel excrement. Due to various intestinal diseases, the intestines cannot be used normally, and feces and urine cannot be discharged. At the same time, to prevent the damaged intestines from being contaminated by excrement, excrement can only be discharged through the colostomy.

3. Why is a colostomy pouch needed？

Some patients, due to intestinal function-related diseases, need to temporarily avoid using or permanently remove the diseased intestine. Therefore, a new stoma is required to expel feces and urine while preventing the damaged intestine from being contaminated by excrement.

Colorectal cancer: Colorectal cancer can cause intestinal stenosis or even complete obstruction, requiring the removal of the anus and rectum. Therefore, a colostomy is required to expel feces.
Inflammatory bowel disease: such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colon cancer, these diseases can cause repeated inflammation, ulcers and even perforation of the stomach and intestines. Therefore, a temporary stoma is needed to prevent excrement from irritating the intestines.
Intestinal obstruction: If acute intestinal obstruction caused by inflammation or tumor temporarily makes the patient’s intestine unusable, a temporary colostomy needs to be made through surgery, and a temporary ostomy bag should be used to prevent intestinal perforation. Colostomy should be cancelled after the intestinal tract returns to normal function.
Intestinal injury caused by trauma: Damage to the intestines or anus due to external trauma. To prevent the injured area from being further contaminated and deteriorated, a stoma is needed to temporarily discharge feces to allow the damaged area to heal better.
Congenital megacolon: Born lacking intestinal ganglion cells, the intestines cannot peristalsis and digest normally, and feces cannot be excreted from the body normally. Therefore, it is necessary to remove the colon segment innervated by the nerve to restructure the intestine, which also requires colostomy to relieve intestinal dilation and obstruction.

4. The basic components of the colostomy pocket

Although colostomy pouches of different brands vary, they are basically composed of the lung colostomy pouch body, a base or skin barrier, an opening and some colostomy bag accessories.

Bag body: This colostomy pouch body is usually made of transparent or opaque soft materials and is used to collect the excrement discharged from the opening. It features strong leak-proof performance, strong odor resistance, and skin-friendly softness.
Chassis or 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: It is usually a closed or openable discharge outlet. The closed type is suitable for solid excrement and cannot be discharged. It is for single use only. The open discharge outlet can discharge loose or liquid waste, which can be emptied, cleaned and reused.
Colostomy pouch 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 and odor.

Main Types of Colostomy Pouches

1. Classified by system structure

a. One-piece colostomy pouch

The body and base of the one-piece colostomy pouch are integrated. The patient can directly attach the base to the stoma for use.

Advantages: Simple operation with few steps, saving time and effort. It is even more lightweight and has good concealment.
Disadvantages: When replacing, it needs to be torn off along with the chassis. Frequent replacement can irritate the skin.
Suitable for: Beginners and elderly people with limited hand flexibility.

b. Two-piece system colostomy pouch

The main body of the colostomy pocket is separated from the base. The chassis can adhere to the skin for a long time. Just replace the pouch.

Advantages: The chassis can be used for many days, reducing skin damage, being more flexible and convenient, and also more economical and practical.
Disadvantages: It is heavier than the one-piece type and involves more operation steps.
Suitable for: People with stable stoma positions and regular life rhythms.

2. Classify by opening method

a. Drainable colostomy pouch

There is an opening at the bottom of the open ostomy pouch, which can be opened to empty the excrement inside.

Advantages:It can be recycled and is economical
Disadvantages: It is rather inconvenient to discharge it outside.
Suitable for: Patients in the postoperative recovery period or with irregular diet. People with loose excrement and frequent bowel movements.

b. Closed-end colostomy pouch

The closed pocket cannot be discharged. After a single use, it should be discarded directly and replaced with a new ostomy bag.

Advantages: Easy and quick replacement, no need for emptying and cleaning
Disadvantage: If excretion is frequent, the replacement will also be frequent, which can easily irritate the skin
Suitable for: Office workers or people who need to go out frequently. A person whose excrement is well-formed and whose bowel movements are regular.

3. Classify by special functions

Transparent pouch vs Opaque pouch: A transparent colostomy pouch is more convenient for observing the recovery of the stoma, while an opaque colostomy bag offers higher privacy.
Bags with filters: Carbon filters can absorb odors, reduce the possibility of pouch swelling, and avoid the embarrassment caused by it.
Small capacity/mini bags: Compact and lightweight, suitable for sports and fitness, swimming or short social outings.

How to choose the right colostomy pouch?

1. According to the characteristics of excrement

Loose stools: Frequent bowel movements, large volume and difficulty in control

suitable for: drainable pouch, which can be discharged in time to avoid the irritation to the skin caused by constantly changing and pasting the base

Solid feces: Regular and easy to control

suitable for: Sealed ostomy pouch. After one-time use, discard the old ostomy pouch and replace it directly with a new one, which is more convenient and faster to replace.

2. According to lifestyle

People who often go out or are busy with work are suitable for two-piece closed colostomy pouches. As they cannot be cleaned and replaced in time for a long time, two-piece colostomy pouches only need to replace the pouch body, which is faster and more convenient to replace.

For people recovering from surgery or staying at home on a daily basis, a one-piece open colostomy pocket is suitable. It can be emptied and cleaned at home at any time, which is more economical and cost-effective.

3. According to the condition of the skin

For those with sensitive skin: Choose a non-irritating silicone base or a two-piece ostomy bag that reduces the number of peels and patches.

4. Medical professional advice

Zodelo will only bring you the highest quality stoma products and some small knowledge about types of colostomy pouches and stoma care. As everyone’s condition and physical condition are different, it is necessary to visit a hospital and follow the advice of a professional doctor or stoma nurse.

The application scenarios of different types of colostomy pouches in daily life

1. Pouch type selection for travel

1.1. Common travel issues:

It is inconvenient to change and clean things when away from home for a long time.
Changes in diet and sleep schedule can cause variations in excrement and excretion frequency.
There may be embarrassing problems such as excrement leakage and unpleasant odors when outside.

1.2. Solution:

Choose a colostomy pouch equipped with an activated carbon filtration device. Activated carbon can adsorb the unpleasant odors in the bag and reduce the problem of bag swelling, avoiding the embarrassment of unpleasant odors outside.
You can choose a large-capacity open-type colostomy pouch, which has a long service life. The bottom opening can be used to discharge excrement, avoiding the trouble of frequent replacement during travel.
It can be used in combination with some leak-proof colostomy pouch accessories, such as leak-proof rings and leak-proof pastes, to enhance the firmness and sealing of the base, avoiding the leakage of excrement and odors during the journey, and preventing the problem of being unable to clean and replace in time.

2. How to avoid leakage and swelling during exercise.

2.1. Common problems during exercise:

Various movements during exercise may cause the colostomy pouch to shift or fall off.
The skin produces a large amount of sweat during exercise, which may lead to the undercarriage not adhering firmly or even falling off.
The intestinal peristalsis is more active during exercise, generating more gas, which may cause the pouch to swell.

2.2. Solution:

Use a one-piece small-capacity colostomy pouch, which is lighter and can prevent it from falling due to excessive weight. It is also quicker and more convenient to replace.
You can use some leak-proof colostomy pouch accessories in combination, such as leak-proof rings, leak-proof paste, and reinforced belts, to enhance the firmness and sealing of the base and avoid the problem of colostomy pouch leakage and falling during exercise.
Before exercising, empty the colostomy pouch of excrement and gas, and prepare a new spare colostomy pouch at the same time to prevent leakage, detachment and inability to replace it.

3. How can office workers balance convenience and privacy?

3.1. Common problems at work:

There may be an embarrassing situation of unpleasant odors during work hours, and it is not convenient to empty and clean the colostomy pocket.

3.2. Solution:

Choose a colostomy pouch equipped with an activated carbon filtration device. Activated carbon can absorb the unpleasant odors in the pouch and reduce the problem of pouch swelling, avoiding the embarrassment of unpleasant odors in the office.
Choose the two-piece colostomy pouch. There is no need to change the base. Just quickly replace the pouch body, which is more convenient and fast, avoiding the embarrassing trouble of cleaning and changing in the office toilet.
It can be used in combination with some leak-proof colostomy pouch accessories, such as leak-proof rings and leak-proof pastes, to enhance the firmness and sealing of the base and prevent leakage or odor problems in the office.

4. Different real-life scenarios of a stoma patient

Jasper, 45 years old, had his rectum permanently removed due to colorectal cancer causing intestinal stenosis and even complete obstruction.

Postoperative recovery period: As the stoma had not yet fully recovered, Jasper mainly used a transparent open-type stoma pouch, which was convenient for doctors and medical staff to observe the recovery of the stoma through a transparent membrane and better protect the stoma.
At work: After recovering from the surgery and returning to work, Jasper chose a two-piece ostomy pouch for his skin tone, which is more concealed and less noticeable to others. Two-piece colostomy bag, no need to change the base, just replace the bag body directly, no need to clean and empty, more convenient and faster.
When traveling: Jasper chose a large-capacity open-type colostomy pouch, which was also equipped with a leak-proof ring. It has a long service life, and the bottom opening can discharge excrement. The base is more solid and has better sealing performance, avoiding the trouble of leakage and frequent replacement during the journey.
When doing exercise and fitness: Jasper chose a one-piece small-capacity colostomy pouch, combined with a reinforced waist and leak-proof ointment. The bag is lighter, the base is more solid and has better sealing performance, avoiding leakage or falling off during exercise.

Colostomy Pouch FAQ

Q1: Can I switch between different types of colostomy pouches?

Overall, this is completely acceptable. Different types of colostomy pouches are suitable for stoma in various situations to facilitate better recovery and make life more convenient. Choose the appropriate colostomy pouch based on the shape of the stool, the activity scene and the recovery status.

Fecal form:For loose stools, it is recommended to use an open stoma bag for easy discharge. Solid feces are suitable for use in closed ostomy pouches, which are for single use only. They are not only clean and hygienic but also easy and quick to replace.
Event scene: The two-piece colostomy bag can be used in daily work and life, and can be cleaned and replaced at any time. When traveling and exercising, you can choose a one-piece colostomy bag. It is for single use only. You can directly discard the old colostomy bag, making replacement more convenient and faster. When traveling long distances or going out, you can use a large-capacity open pouchfor a longer service life. In scenarios where replacement is not convenient, you can choose to empty it.
Recovery status:During the initial recovery process, it is recommended to use a transparent colostomy bag. Through the transparent membrane, the recovery of the stoma can be observed, which is conducive to better wound healing. After the subsequent joint is stable, choose an opaque and more concealed stoma bag according to your own situation.

Q2: Can both open colostomy pockets and closed colostomy pockets be prepared at the same time?

Sure. Both types of colostomy pouches are available, allowing for a more comprehensive and flexible response to various situations. Users can freely switch between them without any worries.

Open colostomy pouch: Mainly suitable for loose stools, frequent bowel movements or daily life, it can be emptied and cleaned at any time.
Closed colostomy pouch: Mainly suitable for solid feces or during outdoor activities, it can be directly replaced without discharge, which is more convenient and worry-free.

Q3: Will transparent pouches allow others to see what's inside?

The answer is definitely yes.

Why are some colostomy pockets transparent?

The original design intention of the transparent stoma bag is to allow people to observe the condition of the stoma through a transparent membrane. It is suitable for those who have just undergone surgery and are in the recovery period or need subsequent follow-up examinations. It is convenient to observe the recovery of the stoma and better protect it.

How to solve the problem of transparency in the colostomy pocket?

If you are concerned that a transparent stoma may cause embarrassment in social situations or when going out, you can pair it with loose and soft clothes or coats, which can completely cover and hide the existence of the stoma. Or you can choose a colostomy pouch with skin color or a semi-transparent colostomy pouch with a light-blocking film.

Q4: What is the average replacement frequency of the colostomy pocket?

The frequency of colostomy bag replacement depends on different types of colostomy pouches and personal habits:

One-piece colostomy bag: When you use a one-piece colostomy bag, it is recommended to change it every day.
Two-piece colostomy bag: When you use a two-piece colostomy bag, it is recommended to replace it every 3 to 5 days.
Closed colostomy bag: When you use a closed colostomy bag, you can replace it with a new one after each bowel movement.
Open-type colostomy bag: When you use an open-type colostomy bag, since the bottom opening can be opened to empty the excrement, you can replace it according to your own situation.

The value of Zodelo

Many people may feel confused after the operation, not knowing which type of stoma to choose and worrying about the problem of leakage and odor. It may even lead to anxiety, depression, sadness and sorrow, worrying about the strange looks from others when they see it, and being afraid of socializing, work and even close relationships. These are all very normal emotions, and basically all stoma patients have experienced them.

In fact, if you choose a suitable colostomy pouch product for yourself, you don’t need to worry about these at all. A suitable manufacturing bag will never have any leakage or unpleasant smell. The stoma bag is not a restriction; it is merely a tool to help all stoma patients return to their daily lives.

Zodelo is well aware of the significance of ostomy pouches to patients. Therefore, we constantly upgrade and create new series of products based on customer feedback, all for the purpose of ensuring that all users can have the most suitable products for themselves. We offer all types of colostomy pouches, such as: Airlora Series, Calmlora Series, Mellora Series, Joylora Series and ostomy product accessories to meet everyone’s needs. At the same time, we also provide professional and emotional care to accompany users through every stage.

Conclusion - Types of Colostomy Pouches

Understanding different types of colostomy pouches is the first step to making life more comfortable and confident. Choosing the right pocket for yourself can also avoid the trouble of leakage and odor. Learning the correct way to use a pocket will also enable people to face life more calmly. Of course, it is necessary to follow the advice of a professional doctor to find the most suitable type of stoma. Welcome to follow Zodelo. For more stoma care guidelines and product selection support, please contact us.

More resources:

Colostomy— NHS
Ostomy: Adapting to life after colostomy, ileostomy or urostomy— Mayoclinic
Colostomy Bags:Types, Care, and Maintenance — Webmd
Colostomy — Clevelandclinic.org