When part of your colon needs to be removed or healed after a health problem, you will need a colostomy bag .
A colostomy is a type of stoma in which the surgeon creates an opening in the abdominal wall through which the end of the large intestine is led. This bypass will from now on replace the anus for all bowel movements. Although a colostomy is most often temporary, there are cases where it is a permanent change.
Temporary or permanent, it will take some time to get used to since you cannot control your bowel movements like before and instead of the usual process, stool is automatically directed into a colostomy bag.
As strange as all of this may sound, it shouldn't scare you since it is a completely painless process where most people adapt quickly and soon return to their normal lives without necessarily making huge changes.
B. Braun ostomy materials are specially designed with a primary focus on safety, comfort and discretion, offering real solutions to everyday problems such as irritation, odor and gas .
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What is a colostomy bag?
The colostomy bag is a small, waterproof bag that fits over the stoma and is used to collect stool, which can then be emptied at regular intervals.
Although the term colostomy bag is commonly used, the description is partly correct since it essentially consists of two pieces:
- The base that adheres to the skin around the stoma and must be changed every one to two days
- The bag into which the waste is led
The most basic classification of ostomy bags is one- or two-piece systems , that is, with a disposable bag or with a device that can be emptied and reused.
All involve the use of a base that fits around the stoma with a special adhesive to ensure that stool is directed into the bag and not onto the skin or clothing. Simply put, colostomy bags are also available in one-piece systems, where the base and bag are already attached to each other, and so are fitted, discarded and replaced at the same time. One-piece systems are also called self-adhesive colostomy, ileostomy or ureterostomy bags .
Cleanliness is extremely important and the collection system must remain securely attached in place. Inadequate care can lead to skin irritation and the situation is complicated by the use of adhesive that is required for all devices . Once the colostomy bag is properly secured in place, it holds whatever comes in, holding the contents until it is emptied.
For emptying, most users prefer to be close enough to a toilet or bin for convenient and clean transfer of the contents. After emptying, rinse and clean the inside of the device opening thoroughly to ensure a good seal when the device is closed. Normally most devices are resistant to odors but this is not the case if the mouth and base fit is not good.
But let's start from the beginning. Immediately after the operation, specialized hospital staff will inform you about:
- How is the bag applied?
- How to change it
- How to measure the spout so it has the correct opening
- How to care for your stoma
- The different types of bags that exist
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 , EOPPY covers the cost and gives you the opportunity to try free samples .
Your initial choice of colostomy bag will depend on the type of colostomy you have and the method recommended by your healthcare provider, but from there, once you learn how to properly handle your supplies, you will be able to choose the colostomy system that makes you feel most comfortable. So let's look at your options.
1. One or two-piece colostomy bags
The first and perhaps most important decision you will need to make is to choose between a one-piece and two-piece ostomy system.
1-piece system: Self-adhesive bag
Since in one-piece colostomy bags, the base is integrated into the pouch, you cannot separate them. In other words, the base is the part of the pouch that attaches to the skin around your stoma.
The Advantages
- They provide a greater sense of security since there is no chance of leakage with a good fit as the bag and base cannot be separated
- They are more economical than two-piece colostomy systems
The Disadvantages
- Every time you change you have to position everything around your mouth correctly, which can take time and be difficult in a public place.
- If you choose a system with a larger bag, it will be more difficult to hide it under clothing.
- You have to make multiple changes every day
- Frequent changes often cause irritation to the skin, especially if it is sensitive. Of course, there are ostomy products to protect the skin so that you do not have to deal with this problem.
- At the same time, however, you will use protective films or tapes more often as well as adhesive removal preparations for your skin.
2-piece system
In the two-piece colostomy system, the base and the pouch are separate, and are connected to each other by a coupling system. Using such a system, the base is kept on the skin for a few days, while the pouch is changed when necessary.
The Advantages
- The base stays in place for two to four days, which is gentler on the skin, minimizing or even eliminating irritation.
- You can change the size of the bag you use whenever you want. The smaller ones are ideal for when you are out and about. Then you can switch to a larger one when your activity is over.
- Bag changes are very fast, offering flexibility.
The Disadvantages
- Because the bag and base can be separated, leakage may occur if you do not fit the bag correctly.
- Because the two-piece system offers ultimate flexibility and comfort without irritation, it is a little more expensive.
2. Colostomy bags
Usually, after your surgery you will be given a clear bag to help you learn how to put it on properly. Over time, you will be able to use and change the bag yourself and will be completely independent . At that point, you will have to choose between a beige or a clear bag.
Transparent or beige bags
A clear bag allows you to see your stoma more easily, while beige ones are more discreet because they are opaque.
Most people prefer to use clear bags immediately after the hospital to further familiarize themselves with the placement and later continue with beige.
Open or closed bags
Closed bags are most often preferred and are changed once they are full, but you can also use bags that can be emptied if that suits you better. You can find open and closed colostomy bags in one-piece and two-piece systems .
Bags with a “window”
If you want to have both, that is, the discretion offered by a beige bag as well as the ability to see your stoma offered by a transparent one, there are bags with a placement "window".
3. Colostomy trays
The stoma will be larger in the first few days but will gradually get smaller over the first few days and will continue to get smaller even when you go home. This is completely normal, part of the healing process and you should check that the pouch you are wearing is still fitting well around the stoma.
Regardless of the type of bag, you will need to decide whether you prefer ready-made bases, i.e. pre-cut, or cut-to-fit, where you can cut the base according to the shape and size of your stoma.
Pre-Cut or Cut-To-Fit base
- Cut-to-fit base : You should always cut the base to the size of your stoma.
- Pre-cut base : Simply choose the size that suits you and it's ready to apply!
Depending on your stoma, you will also have the option of choosing between a flat or curved base.
Curved or flat base
In the first phase, flat colostomy bases are preferred, but in many cases , curved colostomy bases ensure optimal pressure distribution and are usually recommended by doctors just in case for people :
- With flat mouth
- With a stoma that shows a slight inward slope (Retraction)
- Which have their mouths folded to avoid the risk of leaks
You are ready to choose the colostomy system and materials that are right for you.
When caring for your colostomy , there is a lot to consider, and it will take time to discover which option works best for you.
Don't be afraid to try new products and styles, Traumacare is always on your side providing advice on which system works best for you.
If you want to experiment with a new system, it's best to try it on a day when you're at home, in case it doesn't suit you well. And don't forget that you can always get your free samples through EOPYY .
Once you have decided which system you prefer, there are several product lines to choose from to best suit your needs. Regardless of the range of materials, a colostomy patient will most likely choose closed pouches, while relatively rarely, bags with the ability to empty themselves.