Colostomy Bag: What it is & How to buy the Best

When part of the colon needs to be removed or healed after a health problem you will need a colostomy bag.

A colostomy is a type of ostomy in which the surgeon creates an opening in the abdominal wall that leads to the tip of the colon. This bypass from now on will replace the anus for all bowel movements. Although colostomy is often temporary, there are cases where it is a permanent change.

Temporarily or permanently, it will take you some time to get used to since you cannot control bowel movements as before and instead of the usual procedure the stools are automatically led to a colostomy pouch.

Strange as it may sound, nothing should scare you as it is a completely painless process where most people adapt quickly and soon return to normal life without necessarily making huge changes.

What is a colostomy bag?

The colostomy bag is a small, waterproof pouch, which is attached to the stoma and used to collect the stool, which can then be emptied at regular intervals.

Although the term colostomy bag is commonly used, the description is partly correct as it essentially consists of two parts:

The base plate that adheres to the skin around the stoma
The pouch, in which the feces are led and stored

The most fundumental separation of ostomy bags is the one or two piece systems, ie with a disposable bag or with a device that can be emptied and reused.

All involve the use of a flange applied around the stoma with a special glue to ensure that the feces are carried to the bag and not to the skin or clothes. Colostomy bags are available in one-piece systems, where the flange and the bag are already connected to each other, so they are adjusted, discarded and replaced at the same time. One-piece systems are also called self-adhesive colostomy, ileostomy or urostomy bags.

Hygiene is extremely important and the collection system must remain plugged firmly into position. Inadequate care can lead to skin irritation and the situation is complicated by the use of the glue that is necessary for all devices. Once the colostomy bag is properly secured in place, it holds what comes in, holding the contents until it gets emptied or removed.

For emptying, most users prefer to be close enough to a toilet or trash can for comfortable and clean transfer of contents. After emptying, we must rinse and thoroughly clean the inside of the device opening to ensure a good fit when the device is closed. Normally most devices are odor resistant but this is not the case if the pouch and flange fit is not good.

But let’s start from the beginning. Immediately after the operation, nursing staff of the hospital will inform you about:

How the bag is applied
How to change it
How to measure the dimensions of the stoma to cut and adjust the base plate properly
How to take care of your stoma
The various types of colostomy bags available

Of course, your doctor will give you the necessary prescription / opinion with the ostomy materials you will need since the quantities of products that are justified are specific but as usual the EOPPY covers the cost and gives you the opportunity to try free samples.

If you are not satisfied with the colostomy bag you are using, you can always try something else for free. We are always by your side to answer any question and help you make the best and most economical choice in order to ensure you the best quality of life.

Just fill in your details and we will contact you immediately or call us for more information.

2311286262

The initial choice of colostomy bag will depend on the type of colostomy you have and the proposed method of the nursing staff but beyond that once you learn how to handle your materials properly and then you will be more than able to choose the colostomy system that makes you feel more comfortable. So let’s see what your options will be.

1. Colostomy bags of one or two pieces

The first and perhaps most important decision you will have to make is to choose between a one- and two-piece ostomy system.

1-piece system: Self-adhesive Bag

In colostomy bags in one piece, the flange is embedded in the pouch, which means you cannot separate them. In other words, the flange is the part of the pouch that attaches to the skin around your stoma.

Pros

They give a greater sense of security since there is no case of leakage with a good fit as the bag and wafer cannot be separated
They are usually cheaper than two-piece colostomy systems

Cons

Every time you change you have to place everything around your stoma properly, something that can take time and be difficult in a public place
If you choose a system with a larger bag it will be harder to hide it under clothes
You have to make multiple changes daily
Frequent changes often cause skin irritation especially if it is sensitive. Of course there are ostomy products to protect the skin so, you don't necessarily have to deal with this problem
At the same time, however, you will use more often protective films or tapes as well as adhesive removal preparations for your skin.

2-piece system

In the two-piece colostomy system, the flange and the pouch are separate, and are connected to each other by a coupling system. Using such a system, the flange is kept on the skin for a few days, while the pouch is changed when needed.

Pros

The flange stays in place for two to four days, which is softer on the skin reducing to a minimum or even eliminating irritation
You can change the size of the pouch you use whenever you want. The smaller ones are ideal for when you are away from home. You can then switch to a larger one when your activity is complete
The pouch change is very fast offering flexibility

Cons

Because the bag and base plate can be separated, leakage may occur if you don't adjust the bag correctly.
Because the two-piece system offers absolute flexibility and comfort without irritation it is usually a bit more expensive

2. Colostomy pouches

Usually, after your surgery you will be given a transparent bag to help you learn how to place it properly. In time, you will be able to use and change the bag yourself and you will be completely independent. Then you have to choose between beige or a transparent bag.

Transparent or beige pouches

A transparent bag allows you to see your stoma more easily, while beige is more discreet as it is opaque.
Most people prefer to use transparent bags immediately after hospitalization to further familiarize themselves with the placement and later continue with beige.

Drainable or closed ostomy bags

Closed bags are often preferred, which change as soon as they are full, but you can also use drainable bags that can be emptied if this suits you best. You can find drainable and closed colostomy bags in one and two piece systems.

Split Cover bags

If you want to have both, that is, the discretion that a beige bag offers as well as the ability to see your stoma offered by the transparent one, B Braun offers bags with an inspection window.

3. Colostomy baseplates

The stoma in the first days is bigger but gradually decreases and will continue to shrink, even weeks after you return home. This is perfectly normal as part of the healing process and you should make sure that the bag you are wearing still fits snugly around your stoma.

Regardless of the type of bag, you have to decide if you prefer ready-made baseplates, ie specific dimensions (pre-cut) or cut-to-fit, where you can cut the flange depending on the shape and size of your stoma.

Pre-Cut or Cut-To-Fit flanges

Cut-to-fit Base Plate: You should always cut the base to the size of your stoma
Pre-cut Base Plate: Just choose the size that suits you and is ready to apply

Depending on your stoma, you will also have the option of choosing between a flat or a convex (curved) base.

Convex or flat Base Plate

Initially, the flat ones are preferred, but in many cases the convex colostomy baseplates ensure an optimal pressure distribution and are usually recommended by doctors just in case:

With a flat stoma
With a stoma that shows a slight drop inwards (Relapse)
You have your stoma in the fold to avoid the risk of leaks

You are ready to choose the colostomy system and materials that suits you

When taking care of your colostomy, there is much to consider and it will take time to find out which option works best for you.

Don’t be afraid to try new products and styles, Traumacare is always by your side providing advice on which system is better for you.

If you want to experiment with a new system, it is best to try it on a day when you are at home, in case it doesn’t suit you well. And do not forget that you can always get your free samples through EOPYY.

Once you have decided which colostomy bags you prefer, there are several product lines to choose the one that best suits your needs. Regardless of the range of materials, a patient with a colostomy will probably choose closed bags, while relatively rare drainable bags that can be emptied.

Everything you need to know about the colostomy bag: What it is / Buy / Price / Free Samples