Simply put, a colostomy is a surgical procedure that creates an opening for the large intestines through the abdomen. It is usually done to treat bowel problems or let the body part heal quickly after surgery. Diseases like colon cancer are the most significant causes of a colostomy. There are two types of colostomies: permanent colostomy and temporary colostomy.
After a colostomy is performed, your sphincter muscles are removed, eliminating the ability to control your bowel movements. For this reason, your doctor might issue you with colostomy bags, also known as ostomy bags, to help you collect the wastes from your body. Initially, changing the pouch might feel complicated but with time, changing the appliance gets easy, taking less than 15 minutes. This article will answer more questions about colostomy bags and how you should change them. Please keep on reading.
How often should you change your colostomy bag?
Several independent factors determine how often you change your ostomy pouch. They include
1. The location of your ostomy
The location of your colostomy plays a significant role in determining the number of times that you change your appliance. People with transverse and ascending colostomies have looser and irritating stools and hence require frequent pouch changes. On the other hand, those with sigmoid and descending colostomies produce semi-liquid stools that do not require care more often.
2. The nature of your skin
If your skin is oily and moist, you will likely require frequent changes to prevent leaks as the pouch will not adhere well with the body.
3. Your activity level
People involved in vigorous exercises will be required to change the bags regularly because of increased amounts of sweat compared to people who rarely exercise.
Other factors that determine how you change your appliance are
4. Your bowel movement and consistency
5. Indoor and outdoor temperatures
6. The type of appliance that you use
Supplies you should have to change your colostomy bag
Before you change your ostomy pouch, make sure you have everything immediately at hand. The things you will require are:
- A new colostomy pouch
- A pair of scissors
- Stoma powder
- Skin adhesive
- A clean towel and soap
- Disposable plastic shopping bag
Get your supplies together and choose a location where you will empty the old bag. Changing your appliance while sitting is preferable as it is more comfortable, but you can still change it while standing.
Step by step guide when removing a colostomy bag
Step 1: Remove the old appliance
This involves opening a clip in your drainable pouch and draining the wastes into a toilet before removing the used bag. Always ensure that you do not splash wastes into your skin as it can cause unnecessary stress to the skin. It can also result in irritation and bleeding in the stoma. After removing the used appliance, dispose of it in a disposable plastic bag and tie the top with a knot to eliminate bad odor.
Step 2: Wash the skin and stoma
Clean the skin around the stoma and the stoma itself with warm water and soap and a clean washcloth and dry the region with a dry towel.
Step 3: Attach the pouch
Carefully cut the opening in the center of the wafer to ensure it fits in your stoma if you have a two-piece system. For those with a one-piece pouch, the hole is usually pre-cut for them. The wafer opening should match your stoma, as having a large hole will irritate the skin due to leakages. Similarly, a small hole will make your stoma become inflamed.
After the procedure, apply skin prep if your skin is moist, followed by a skin wipe over the stoma powder. The next step involves applying stoma powder to the hole in the wafer and, lastly, to your skin. Hold the wafer in position for some time to create a good seal. Clean your hands gently.
When to call your doctor
- It is necessary to consult your ET nurse if:
- The skin around your stoma is bulging
- Your stools are looser than normal
- You get a purulent discharge around the stoma
- The stoma is not producing gas for long
- You are nauseous
- There is blood in your stool
