An ostomy bag is a collection pouch used to catch urine or stool that exits the body through a surgically created opening in the abdomen called a stoma. The pouch is worn over the stoma to collect the waste material. The bag is designed to be odor-proof and has an adhesive skin barrier that attaches to the skin around the stoma to protect it and keep the bag sealed to the skin. The bottom of the bag has a tail that 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.

An ostomy bag is used for people who have a health condition that affects their bodys ability to eliminate waste through the rectum. Some of the reasons why a person may need an ostomy include colorectal, rectal, or bladder cancer, injury to the bowel or bladder, a serious bowel disorder such as Crohns disease or ulcerative colitis, a blocked bowel, diverticulitis, or an infection.

It is important to note that emotional support is critical to accepting and thriving in life with an ostomy. There are resources available to everyone, including UOAA Affiliated Support Groups and the official publication of the UOAA, The Phoenix Ostomy Magazine, which answers many questions and challenges of living with an ostomy or being a caregiver.