An ostomy bag is a collection pouch used to catch urine or stool. It is used for people who have a health condition that affects their body in a way that makes it difficult or impossible to pass waste through the anus or urethra. An ostomy is a hole made by surgery to allow stool or urine to leave your body through your belly. The pouching system consists of an odor-proof ostomy bag that collects and contains output from the stoma, and an adhesive (called a skin barrier) that attaches to the skin around the stoma. The skin barrier will protect the skin around the stoma and adhere the bag to the skin. The bottom of the bag has a tail, which can be opened to drain collected stool, but otherwise stays sealed with an integrated pouch closure. The pouching system should be emptied when it is about one-third full, and changed every three to four days.
The ostomy bag is used for people who have undergone ostomy surgery, which is a life-saving procedure that allows bodily waste to pass through a surgically created stoma on the abdomen into a prosthetic known as a pouch. The surgery is performed when a persons colon or rectum is removed or bypassed, or when the bladder is removed or bypassed. The reasons for ostomy surgery include colorectal, rectal, or bladder cancer, injury to the bowel or bladder, a serious bowel disorder, such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, a blocked bowel, diverticulitis, and an infection.
A specialist stoma nurse usually helps the patient choose the most suitable colostomy equipment. There is a wide range of colostomy appliances available, including a 1-piece pouch and a 2-piece pouch. Colostomy appliances are made from hypoallergenic materials to reduce skin irritation, and they also contain special filters to prevent any unpleasant smells. Additional products that can make living with a colostomy more convenient include support belts and girdles, deodorizers that can be inserted into the appliance, protective skin wipes, sprays to remove adhesive, and lingerie and cummerbunds made to conceal a pouch or hold it in place.
