Colostomy Bags

• Colostomy bags are available as a one piece and two piece system, and selection of which version to use is based on the patients preference and lifestyle;
• Relatively inexpensive and safe to use;
• Usage of the colonoscopy bags can be from home or a clinic. If the patient is confident enough to use the device without the aid of a medical professional, they can use it at home, for convenience;
• Closure or clamp is fitted to each bag, to prevent the wearer from leakage of the bag’s contents;
• Low risk of transferring contaminants and human by-products for the closed bags, since they are single-use;
• Deluxe models are fitted with a carbon filter in order to remove any odors that are emitted from the bags;
• Drainable bags are easy to wash and remove contents from, suitable for people with frequent discharge where it is unfeasible to constantly change disposable, closed colostomy bags;
• Colostomy bags are inconspicuous and can easily be concealed underneath clothing;
• Patient is able to enter the water, whether it be swimming, showering or bathing whilst wearing the colostomy bag, as they are waterproof;
• As long as the colostomy bag is well maintained and is comfortably secured around the stoma, the smell should not be an issue for the wearer.

Before a colostomy bag can be used on a daily basis, it is important to select the right bag for the patient. A patient who frequently discharges may opt for a drainable, open bag instead of a disposable, single-use bag. This makes sense, as constantly having to change a disposable bag is not productive and time-consuming.

Once usage has commenced, the bag will need to be renewed or changed shortly thereafter. The first step is to remove the contents from the bag, usually done in the bathroom over the toilet. Feces will need to be squeezed carefully out, urine will flow easily out of the bag. Thoroughly wash hands before progressing to the next step. After hands are sanitized, carefully remove the pouch. If it is a two-piece colostomy bag, the skin barrier does not need to be removed, since it is a separate piece to the collection pouch. Inspect skin and stoma – if its black, purple or blue, contact doctor immediately. To clean the stoma, gently wipe with warm water and a small amount of soap. Soap must be oil and fragrance-free. Pat dry stoma to dry it. To put the new pouch on, first add baby oil to the inside, to prevent future stools from sticking to the sides. Attach the new pouch to the stoma by using the ring seal adhesive, or whichever adhesive it is depending on the type of colostomy bag. Hold it for approximately 1 minute – the warmth generated from the hands assists in bonding the adhesive to the skin.

It is imperative that the colostomy bag is not used in the packaging or seal is compromised. Evidence of this may suggest tampering or contamination. If one should come across colostomy bags inside comprised packaging, the correct course of action is to dispose of it quickly and safely.

• It is of utmost importance that closed colostomy bag is not reused. Once used, the device is not fit to be salvaged for further use. Reusing closed colostomy bag can result in infections affecting the stoma site and potentially other areas of the body;
• Must prepare the colostomy bag for use in a clean, sterile environment, absent of bodily fluids or other sources of contamination;
• There are numerous differences between the economy and deluxe models – care should be taken to select the one that is more suited for the individual as to not miss out on any desired features;
• Promptly and safely dispose of any colostomy bags that have touched a potentially contaminated surface;
• Correct bag must be selected according to the wearers’ preference – individuals who prefer to change their bagless frequently should opt for an open, drainable bag instead of a disposable closed one;
• Colostomy bag must be changed on a frequent basis. One-piece systems should be changed daily, and two-piece systems should be changed after 2 to 5 days. The skin barrier in the two-piece system should be changed once or twice per week.

Colostomy bags are manufactured using a variety of materials. The materials used in the range offered by AdvaCare are high quality plastic melt polymers known as CO-EX and other non-woven materials.