Colostomy Done Right

There are a few different types of colostomy bags that are listed below along with how to clean and take care of your colostomy bag. You will learn the proper care while bathing. 

Different types of Colostomy:

1. Descending Colostomy: The surgical opening is brought to the surface on the side of the abdomen
2. Sigmoidostomy: This type is located in the sigmoid colon
3. Transverse Colostomy: Located in the upper abdomen on the right side
4. Cecostomy: For temporary relief of an obstruction in the intestine. This is for people who cannot withstand a major surgery.
5. Ascending Colostomy: It is on the right side in the asscending colon.

Can you get it wet?

Yes you can but you will need to know the location so you know the best way to bathe with your colostomy bag. When you bathe you can take the colostomy bag off or leave it on. It is up to each individual preference. You can swim, bathe and even get in a hot tub if you want. It is best to empty the pouch when you do any of these activities. If you choose to bathe without the pouch, stool or urine make leak out. It is best to use a gentle spray as to not hurt your stoma and will not go inside you. Do not let it hit your stoma if the water pressure is strong. New pouch systems are usually waterproof and the wafers can stick better when warm water sprays on it. They will let you know how to take care of the skin where the adhesive is attached to your skin. They can also talk with you about other pouches that might work better for you.


How to dry the pouching system:

The drying time and the way you dry the pouch will be determined by the system you have. If you have uncovered bags with no border tape you will need to dry the system with a towel. With systems that use border tape you can use a hair dryer on cool or use a towel. They do make pouch covers you can use to keep it dry. You can use plastic wrap or apron to keep it dry. Modern equipment dries quick and will not be affected by water.

On pouch changing day, remove the pouch before you bathe. Do not use any moisturizer because this will cause the adhesive to not stick well to your skin well enough. Do not let really hot water hit you colostomy equipment.

Many people worry about how to care for their system. There are some skin conditions that can occur which include abrasions, infections and contact dermatitis. They do make some products to care for your skin to prevent irritation. The best thing to do is talk to your doctor if you have any problems. The doctor can help you decide which systems to use and the skin care products that will help the most. It can worrisome, but with the right products, it should be fairly easy.

 

Pre-cut Ostomy Systems

A pre-cut ostomy system is a pouch with an already cut out opening made to fit the size of the stoma. The pre-cut ostomy system is ideal for patients with around stoma shape. It is available in two types;

a) The flat pouching system
This system is suitable for patients with protruding stomas that are at least an inch long. It lies flat on the skin around the stoma.

b) The convex pouching system

This system extends towards the stoma and is ideal for flat, small, or inverted stoma shapes. This system has a skin barrier or a ring that curves outwards against the skin. The outward curve presses down on the skin and causes the patient’s stoma to stick out and empty into the pouching system.

Types of Convex Products

It is one of the best ostomy systems is the pre-cut convex. It prevents leaking and manages flat or retracted stomas to make up for irregular peristomal planes such as creases or folds. There are different types of convex products;
• Cut-to-fit convex: one or two-piece pouching system allows the patient to cut the opening in the skin barrier to fit the stoma. It is recommended for stomas that are not round.
• Convex insert: they are pre-sized plastic rings used in the flange of a flat two-piece pouching system.
• Precut convex: this is a one or two-piece pouching system that has openings in the skin barrier.
• Faceplate: it is reusable with built-in convexity.
• Ostomy belts and binders: these products are used to give extra patient support.
• Barrier strips or rings: they can be designed into different shapes and sizes.
• Custom-made convex product: this is a product with a built-in convexity custom made for a patient.

Measuring the Stoma

It is essential to measure the stoma to determine the correct size of the stomal opening in an ostomy system. The ostomy opening must be large enough to cover the peristomal skin and to avoid trauma to the stoma. The stoma should be measured at least once a week because it shrinks within 6 to 8 weeks. 

Convex flanges can cause injury if the patient wears or exact or constricting size. Pre-cut convex flanges are ineffective in situations such as flat or retracted stomas and loop ostomy surgical procedures. A loop ostomy can cause stoma prolapse. They are also ineffective if the peristomal skin has wrinkles and creases, uneven surgical scars, and peristomal pressure wounds. It is also not recommended for stomas that change with posture and for patients with flabby abdomens. These factors are contraindicated for pre-cut flat ostomy flanges. A convex flange should not be used on a peristomal hernia. The convex flange can exert pressure on the hernia, increasing the risk of strangulation.

An appropriate pouch system must be selected and fitted to the stoma. Patients with flat, firm abdomens can use flexible systems bordered with paper tape or full skin barrier wafer pouch systems. Patients must use flexible systems for firm abdomens with lateral creases or folds. Those with deep creases, retraced stoma, flabby abdomens, or concave stoma should use a convex system with a stoma belt.

Pre-cut ostomy systems are beneficial to patients because they are faster to apply and more user friendly to patients with insufficient hand coordination or those with painful conditions.