A stoma bag, also known as an ostomy bag, is a collection pouch used to collect body waste, such as feces or urine, from a stoma, which is a small opening in the abdomen. A stoma bag is used when a person has had a surgical procedure that changes the trajectory of food waste through their bowels, such as a colostomy, ileostomy, or urostomy. The stoma opening is used to remove bodily waste into a small collection bag. The frequency of changing the stoma bag depends on the type of bag used, with closed bags needing to be changed 1 to 3 times a day and drainable bags needing to be replaced every 2 or 3 days. A specialist stoma nurse can help choose the most suitable colostomy equipment, including a wide range of colostomy appliances such as a 1-piece pouch, a 2-piece pouch, and a stoma cap.

Additional products that can make living with a stoma more convenient include support belts and girdles, deodorizers, protective skin wipes, sprays to remove adhesive, protective stoma rings, specially designed underwear, and swimwear. People with a stoma can continue with many of the same activities they did before their surgery, including most types of exercise, such as swimming.

In summary, a stoma bag is used to collect body waste from a stoma, which is a small opening in the abdomen created during a surgical procedure. The frequency of changing the stoma bag depends on the type of bag used, and there are various colostomy appliances available to choose from. People with a stoma can continue with most of their daily activities, and there are additional products available to make living with a stoma more convenient.