Having a colostomy
If you have undergone a colostomy surgery, you will need to use a stoma bag. Your stoma therapist will explain you how to cope with your stoma and your new condition. In time, you may be able to use and change your bag on your own, allowing you to be independent.
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- One-piece bags
- Two-piece bags
After surgerymostly a transparent bag or a bag with inspection window is prescribed in order to support bag positioning and stoma inspection.There are many different stoma appliances. Your stoma therapist and team will support you in finding the one that fits to you and your current condition.
Depending on the stoma position and other factors the stool consistency may vary from liquid or semi-liquid stool to formed stool,which also can affect your choice of ostomy bag. With a colostomy you will most likely use aclosed bagbut you can also use adrainable bagif it suits you better.
Before undergoing surgery You've learned that you will get a stoma? Find here some general information about what is a stoma. Answers to frequently asked questions Having a stoma many questions can arise, e.g. about taking care of your stoma and how to manage your every day life in the best possible way. Questions how to choose your appliance? Do you have doubts whether to choose a one- or two-piece system, if cut-to-fit or pre-cut versions or which color to choose, please refer here.
Having wind with a stoma
A common concern of people living with a stoma is having wind.[1] You might fear the reaction of others. But please do not worry as most colostomy and ileostomy bags have a filter that allows gases to escape automatically, without any odor. Such a filter is usually effective for at least 12 hours in total. However, it may become saturated or moistened by liquids. The bag then remains inflated by the gas. This occurs most often after 12 to 24 hours of wearing the bag or at the end of the night. Never make a hole in your stoma bag as this will certainly cause odors to escape.
Protect the filter
Remember that it is important to close your filter during water immersion (showering, bathing, water sports...), by applying an adhesive patch on the filter. These patches are supplied in the stoma bags’ boxes. Remember alsoto remove the patch at the end of the immersion for the filter to start functioning again automatically.
Practical advice on how to cover the filter Before bathing, showering or swimming, it is important to cover the filter of your colostomy or drainable ostomy bag. Do you prefer bags with bottom outlet? If you have pasty or liquid stools, you may prefer drainable bags with bottom outlet as used also by ileostomates.
- Showering with a stoma navigate_next
- Swimming with a stoma navigate_next
- People with ostomy share their stories navigate_next
- Stoma diet: Eat what's good for you navigate_next
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Product portfolio
Our offer of closed stoma bags
One-piece systems
In the case of a one-piece system, thewafer and the stoma bag are bounded together and must be changed together.
Flat Closed Bags
Convex Closed Bags
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Two-piece systems
In the case of a two-piece system, thewafer and the bag are separated, before being attached together through a coupling system. The bag can bechanged while the baseplate may remain in place for several days.
Mechanical coupling system
Closed Bag Systems with Mechanical Coupling
Adhesive coupling system
Closed Bag Systems with Adhesive Coupling
Ostomy Accessories
Are you caregiver or healthcare professional?
There is more specific information for you on our dedicated webpages.
Visit our section for healthcare professionals
References
- Erwin-Toth P, Thompson SJ, Davis JS. Factors impacting the quality of life of people with an ostomy in North America: results from the Dialogue Study. J Wound Ostomy Continence Nurs. 2012 Jul-Aug;39(4):417-22; quiz 423-4. doi: 10.1097/WON.0b013e318259c441. PMID: 22652937.
