What is a Colostomy Pouch?

2025-09-17
Author: Zodelo Ostomy

Many people may wonder what is a colostomy pouch. An ostomy pouch is a medical device specifically designed for individuals with a stoma. It typically consists of a sealed collection bag and an adhesive baseplate. Some patients cannot use their intestines normally due to intestinal diseases. Therefore, doctors will make an opening in the abdomen to collect excrement. These stoma patients could be ourselves, our family members, or our friends. Therefore, it is very important to understand how to choose the right stoma products and how to better care for the stoma.

As an expert in stoma care, Zodelo recognizes the significant role of the colostomy pouch in patients’ lives. Therefore, we constantly listen to customers’ opinions and feedback, optimize and upgrade, all for providing the most ultimate stoma care for all stoma patients. In this article, we will provide you with a detailed introduction to what is a colostomy pouch, the types and selection of colostomy pouch, how to correctly replace and clean colostomy pouch, as well as some frequently questions about colostomy pouch.

What is a colostomy pouch?

1. Definition of Colostomy Pouch

What is a Colostomy Pouch? A colostomy pouch is a medical device specifically designed for patients who have undergone stoma surgery and are unable to excrete through the intestines or anus.

The doctor will make an opening in the patient’s abdomen as an outlet for excretion. Due to the inconvenience of excretion, a bag is needed at this time to receive the excrement, and this is called a colostomy pouch.

2. What Is Colostomy?

It is not enough to merely understand what is a colostomy pouch, we also need to know what is colostomy. Colostomy is a surgical procedure that creates an opening in the abdomen to remove a damaged section of the large intestine and expel excrement through the opening.

3. The Opportunity for the Emergence of A Colostomy Pouch

Before the 20th century: The earliest colostomy pouch appeared before the 20th century. Due to the lack of technological development, stoma patients could only use the most basic cloth bags or containers to hold their excrement, which was very inconvenient and unhygienic.
20th century: It was not until the 20th century that true medical colostomy pouch emerged. Although there might be various problems and inconveniences, they could basically meet the needs of patients.
At present: With the advancement of technology and The Times, a wide variety of different styles and models of colostomy pouch have emerged on the market to meet the diverse needs of patients and enable them to live more comfortably and at ease.

4. The Basic Structure of Colostomy Pouch

After understanding what is a colostomy pouch, we also need to know about the structure of colostomy pouch. Although the colostomy pouchs of various brands are different, they are basically composed of the olostomy pouch body, the base or skin barrier, the discharge port and some accessories.

Bag body: This is an important component of the colostomy pouch, used to collect excrement. It is basically made of soft fabric, and the color is usually transparent or opaque. It has the characteristics of strong leak-proof, strong odor barrier, and skin-friendly softness.
Chassis or Skin Barrier: Basically made of hydrocolloid or silicone material, it is used to adhere to the skin, prevent leakage, and also prevent excrement from contaminating the skin.
Discharge Outlet: It is usually a closed or openable discharge outlet. The closed type is suitable for solid excreta, which cannot be discharged and is for single use only. The open discharge port is suitable for the discharge of loose feces or liquid substances. It can be emptied, washed and reused.
Ostomy Bag Accessories: The accessories that come with each ostomy bag are different. For instance, some ostomy bags are equipped with activated carbon filters to adsorb odors and prevent them from leaking. Or it can be combined with anti-leak rings and anti-leak paste to achieve stronger sealing performance and prevent leakage.

5. Why is a stoma needed?

This surgery is usually performed on patients with diseases related to intestinal function, such as some anorectal cancers: colon cancer, anal cancer, cervical cancer, etc
Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis
Intestinal damage caused by external trauma
Rare congenital diseases: Congenital anorectal or Hirchsprung

6. The function of the colostomy pouch

Avoiding leakage and odor: Ostomy bags can help patients collect feces and excreted gases more conveniently and effortlessly, avoiding leakage and odor.
Maintaining hygiene: Colostomy pouch can help patients maintain personal hygiene and tidiness over the long term.
Confident Living: Creating colostomy pouch enables patients to work, socialize, travel or exercise normally, helping them live more confidently and easily.
Protecting the skin: The colostomy pouch can protect the skin from long-term contamination by excrement, which may cause irritation and redness.

7. How does a colostomy pouch work?

The colostomy pouch body: Which is usually used to hold the patient’s excrement and gas, and can be divided into disposable colostomy pouch and empentable bags. Disposable bags need to be discarded after one use, while emptying bags can be recycled and emptied multiple times before being discarded

Patches or bases: Which is usually made of water colloid and are attached around the stoma to fix and connect with the colostomy pouch, preventing leakage.

Filters: Which are usually activated carbon in colostomy pouch, used to adsorb odors and reduce embarrassment.

Colostomy Pouch Types

1.Disposable vs Replaceable systems

One piece colostomy pouch: The olostomy pouch body and the base are integrated. Patients can directly attach the base to the stoma for use. The operation is simple. There is no need to empty the bag body. It saves time and effort and is also more lightweight.
Two piece colostomy pouch: The colostomy pouch body is separated from the base. The base can be adhered to the skin for a long time. Just replace the bag. Compared with one-piece colostomy pouch, it is more economical and practical.

2. Drainable vs Closed-End Colostomy Pouch

Different texture of feces: The open stoma bag has an opening at the bottom and can be emptied for recycling. It is more suitable for use when feces are relatively loose and can pass through the opening at the bottom. The closed olostomy pouch cannot be discharged and is suitable for use during the formation of feces. It can be directly replaced with a new colostomy pouch.
Different activity scenarios: Open colostomy pouch are more suitable for daily life. After cleaning the colostomy pouch body, they can be recycled. Closed colostomy pouch is more suitable for long-term travel or driving. Replacing them directly saves time and effort.

3. Material and Comfort

A colostomy pouch is usually composed of a colostomy pouch body and a base. The colostomy pouch body of Zodelo is typically made of EVOH or PVDC material, featuring strong odor barrier, water and leak prevention, as well as softness, lightness and thinness.

The Zodelo chassis is usually made of silicone or rubber material, featuring strong durability, sweat resistance, anti-peeling, no residual glue, and no pain during peeling.

Some colostomy pouchs are usually equipped with activated carbon filtration devices inside, which can absorb odors and prevent the embarrassment of severe odors outside.

Zao Deluo has designed various Series of products and Ostomy Accessories to meet different needs, such as the Airlora Series, Calmlora Serie, Mellora Series, Joylora Series.

4. How to choose based on personal circumstances

How to correctly choose a suitable colostomy pouch for oneself should be based on one’s own condition, the location of the stoma and the doctor’s advice.

If the stool is loose or liquid for a long time, it is recommended to use an empty colostomy pouch.
If the feces are solid for a long time, it is recommended to use a closed colostomy pouch.
If it is difficult to empty and replace in daily life for a long time, it is recommended to use a large-capacity emptying colostomy pouch.
If the activity level is high, it is recommended to use a one-piece colostomy pouch, which is more lightweight and easy to replace.
If used for a long time, it is recommended to use 2 piece drainable ostomy pouch. You only need to replace the colostomy pouch body, which is more economical and practical.
If your skin is prone to allergies and cannot come into contact with the gel, it is recommended to use Zodelo’s all-silicone products or detachable colostomy pouch.

How to use and care for colostomy pouch correctly

1. How to change a colostomy pouch?

Prepare a cleaning ostomy pouch, wet wipes and some stoma care products. Wash your hands thoroughly and then gently remove the old colostomy pouch. Clean the stoma area thoroughly with a damp cotton cloth or wet paper towel. After the stoma is dry, attach a clean new colostomy pouch to the stoma position, gently press to ensure there are no gaps, and the wearing is complete.

1.1. Change Frequency

It is recommended to changeone piece colostomy pouch every day and two-piece colostomy pouch every three to five days.

1.2. Cleaning Method

It is recommended to first wet the area around the stoma with warm water, and then wipe it clean with a soft cloth or wet paper towel.

If there is residual glue on the skin surface, it can be cleaned up thoroughly in combination with a glue remover.

After wiping, keep the skin dry before applying the colostomy pouch.

1.3. Common Error Arror Avoidance

If the replacement frequency is too low, and the colostomy pouch is only replaced when the excrement is almost full, it is easy to cause bag leakage or a strong odor.

When pasting, if the stoma is not aligned properly, there will be a gap, which may cause the excrement inside the stoma bag to leak.

If the skin is not cleaned thoroughly, it is easy to cause skin irritation, redness, swelling and inflammation when changing the drainable colostomy pouch. At the same time, it may also lead to poor adhesion and displacement of the adhered area.

2. Skin care

2.1. How to prevent leakage and skin allergies.

Preventing leakage is a top concern for many stoma patients. Therefore, patients need to measure the size of their stoma, cut the opening of the colostomy pouch to an appropriate size, and then fit it tightly to avoid leakage.
It needs to be replaced regularly and in a timely manner. When the excrement inside the colostomy pouch is less than half, it should be replaced promptly to prevent the colostomy pouch from shifting and leaking due to excessive weight.
Avoid frequent pulling or forceful pulling of the colostomy pouch to prevent it from adhering loosely and falling off or leaking.
When pasting, it is necessary to keep the skin around the stoma dry to enhance the adhesion of the base plate and ensure a firm bond.
When used in combination with anti-leak rings and anti-leak ointment, it can enhance the sealing performance and also reduce the irritation to the skin.
If you have an uneven stoma, you can use a convex chassis to ensure a tight fit without leakage.
If you have an allergic reaction to the adhesive area of the colostomy pouch, it is recommended to use Zodelo’s all-silicone products to reduce skin irritation.

2.2. Solutions to common skin problems.

For rashes or erythema caused by skin allergies or irritation, it is recommended to switch to disposable ostomy bags and choose a chassis that does not irritate you.
Due to long-term leakage causing skin erosion and redness and swelling, it is recommended to remeasure the diameter of the stoma, select a base size that is suitable for your own dimensions, and at the same time use anti-leakage rings and anti-leakage ointment to prevent the leakage of excrement.
If granular hyperplasia is caused by long-term friction or irritation, it is recommended to consult a doctor at the hospital immediately to prevent further expansion and aggravation of the hyperplasia.
For long-term itching caused by excessive cleaning, it is recommended to avoid using irritating products such as alcohol and use stoma skin care powder to maintain good skin condition.
If a fungal infection is caused by long-term moisture, it is recommended to consult a doctor at the hospital immediately and use the correct antibacterial drugs to prevent further aggravation of the wound.

3. Tips for Going Out and Daily Life

3.1. How to maintain confidence in work, travel and social situations?

When going out, prepare spare ostomy bags, cleaning supplies, ostomy care products and garbage bags, and be ready to change them at any time.
When outside, wear a colostomy pouch with a carbon filter device to absorb odors and avoid the embarrassment caused by excessive odors.
When communicating with friends, colleagues or strangers outside, there is no need to be overly concerned about others’ gazes. This is a very normal disease. Get along and communicate with others confidently and sincerely.
When taking a flight, the colostomy pouch should be emptied in time to prevent it from bursting due to changes in air pressure.

3.2. Tips for choosing cloth

It is recommended to wear loose and comfortable tops, coats or dresses, which can cover the existence of the stoma and prevent the clothes from being too tight and constantly squeezing and rubbing against the stoma.
It is recommended to wear soft and breathable tops and coats. Avoid heavy clothes that may cause the skin to become damp and hot, or overly hard clothes that constantly rub against the stoma, which may cause skin irritation and redness or lead to the displacement and leakage of the colostomy pouch.
If you must wear formal or heavy clothes, you can use it together with a stoma support belt.

What is life with a colostomy bag?

Daily life: The daily life of a patient with a stoma is to carry the colostomy pouch all the time. Excrement is discharged into the colostomy pouch through the stoma. The patient changes or empties the colostomy pouch according to their own condition and continues to use it. This is the daily life of a stoma patient.
Work and Social: They can carry out their daily work and social activities normally, no different from ordinary people. When they are out, the colostomy pouch can be hidden inside their clothes, so not many people care about the existence of the pockets.
Trips and Sports: At the same time, you can also go on trips and do sports. It is necessary to avoid strenuous exercise, change the replacement in time to prevent overfilling or leakage, and then you can enjoy the outdoor activities with peace of mind.

Is a colostomy pouch permanent?

Whether the colostomy pouch is permanent depends on the type of disease, specific condition and health status of the patient. Generally, it is divided into temporary colostomy and permanent colostomy.

1. What is a permanent colostomy?

A permanent colostomy occurs when the original intestine completely loses its function and cannot be used normally. It can only be removed and cannot be restored. Therefore, one can only carry a colostomy pouch forever.

2. What is a temporary colostomy?

A temporary colostomy occurs when a patient’s intestine temporarily encounters a problem and needs to temporarily avoid intestinal function. Therefore, the doctor will create a new colostomy. Once the intestine stabilizes, the colostomy will be removed through surgery to restore the original function of the intestine.

3. Why are some colostomy pouch temporary ?

Rectal cancer or anal cancer: The patient must have the cancerous part of the intestine or anus permanently removed, and thus will need to rely on a colostomy pouch permanently.
Severe ulcerative colitis：Which cannot be recovered and requires resection, will also rely on a colostomy pouch for eternity.
Severe intestinal or anal trauma: As these organs are non-renewable, requires the creation of an incision and lifelong wearing of a stoma.
Surgical risk: Elderly people or those with multiple underlying diseases have a relatively high surgical risk and are not suitable for undergoing recovery surgery.

4. Why are some colostomy pouch permanent?

Acute intestinal obstruction:If acute intestinal obstruction caused by inflammation or tumor temporarily makes the patient’s intestine unusable, surgery is required to create a temporary colostomy and use a temporarycolostomy pouch to prevent intestinal perforation. Colostomy should be cancelled after the intestinal tract returns to normal function.
Inflammatory bowel diseases：Such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colon cancer , can cause repeated inflammation, ulceration and even perforation of the stomach and intestines. Therefore, a temporary colostomy is needed to prevent excrement from irritating the intestines.
Intestinal damage caused by trauma: Damage to the intestine or anus caused by external traumas such as car accidents and knife wounds. To prevent the injured area from being further contaminated and deteriorated, a stoma is needed to temporarily excrete feces to allow the damaged area to heal better.

When is a colostomy pouch needed?

When patients suffer from the following diseases, they need to wear a colostomy pouch:

Colorectal cancer: Colorectal cancer can lead to intestinal stenosis or even complete obstruction, requiring the removal of the anus and rectum. Therefore, a colostomy is needed to discharge feces.
Inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colon cancer: These diseases can cause repeated inflammation, ulceration and even perforation of the stomach and intestines. Therefore, a temporary stoma is needed to prevent the excrement from irritating the intestines.
Intestinal obstruction:If acute intestinal obstruction caused by inflammation or tumor temporarily makes the patient’s intestine unusable, surgery is required to create a temporary colostomy and use a temporary colostomy pouch to prevent intestinal perforation. Colostomy should be cancelled after the intestinal tract returns to normal function.
Intestinal damage caused by trauma: Damage to the intestine or anus caused by external trauma. To prevent the injured area from being further contaminated and deteriorated, a stoma is needed to temporarily excrete feces to allow the damaged area to heal better.
Congenital megacolon: Born with a lack of intestinal ganglion cells, the intestines cannot peristalsis and digest normally, and feces cannot be excreted normally. Therefore, the innervated colon segment needs to be removed to restructure the intestines, which also requires a colostomy to alleviate intestinal dilation and obstruction.

Colostomy Pouch FAQs

1. How often do I need to change mycolostomy pouch?

One-piece colostomy pouch: When you use a one-piece colostomy pouch, it is recommended to change it every day.

Two-piece colostomy pouch: When you use a two-piece colostomy pouch, it is recommended to change it every 3 to 5 days.

2. How to deal with the unpleasant smell in the colostomy pocket？

Basically, a qualified colostomy pouch will not produce any unpleasant smell after being worn correctly.

If there is an unpleasant smell, you can remove the colostomy pouch with the smell, remeasure the stoma to cut it to the appropriate size and then wear it. At the same time, you can use anti-leak ointment and anti-leak rings to completely seal and isolate the odor.

You can choose colostomy pouch with carbon filter devices to reduce odors.

You can try to avoid eating foods with strong odors, such as garlic, beans, eggs, etc.

3. Can it be worn while swimming or doing sports?

Zodelo colostomy pouch can be worn when swimming or doing sports. At the same time, they can also be paired with leak-proof products such as leak-proof ointment and leak-proof rings. Zodelo products feature a leak-proof chassis with extremely strong sealing performance, so there is no need to worry about issues such as sweating or leakage while swimming or exercising.

4. Do I need to pay special attention to my diet?

Avoid hard-to-digest foods such as celery, Chinese chives, corn, nuts, etc., as they can easily cause stoma blockage
Avoid sticky foods such as rice cakes, tangyuan and zongzi
Avoid beverages that are prone to causing flatulence, such as carbonated drinks and alcohol
It is recommended to consume bananas, soft rice, noodles, sugar-free yogurt, etc. to regulate loose stools

Psychological and Emotional Support

1. Common psychological challenges

Due to the transformation from a originally healthy and worry-free body to having to carry a colostomy pouch all the time, patients may experience feelings such as self-esteem damage and social anxiety, and also feel uncomfortable because of the change in lifestyle.

2. How to face and adjust

One can adjust their mindset with the comfort and company of family and friends. Or join the patient circle of stoma patients to support and comfort each other.

3. The concept of Zodelo

Zodelo is not merely a medical product; we care more about the quality of life and mental health of our users. For a long time, we have been seeking customers’ opinions and feedback, visiting them offline, and constantly upgrading and improving ourselves, all for providing the best experience and companionship to our customers.

Conclusion - What is a Colostomy Pouch?

Zodelo has always believed that the colostomy pouch is not merely a simple medical device, but an important partner in helping all colon patients. Zodelo as a ostomy bag manufacturers, will always adhere to user experience, pay attention to the quality and quality of users’ lives, and work together with patients to care for stoma life.

At the same time, if there are any problems with the stoma, one should also go to the hospital in time for treatment and receive timely care to prevent the stoma from worsening.

Zodelo colostomy pouch supplies not only a variety of safe and reassuring ostomy bags for sale, you can freely choose to combine or contact us for professional customization. We also continuously popularizes knowledge about what is a colostomy pouch and more ostomy care knowledge, accompanying every user to lead a more confident and comfortable life.

More resources:

Colostomy— NHS
Ostomy: Adapting to life after colostomy, ileostomy or urostomy— Mayoclinic
What is a stoma?— Colostomyuk
Colorectal Cancer: Tips for Living with a Colostomy— Rochester
Types of Colostomies and What to Expect— Cancer.org