Colostomy Bag - Types, Care, Uses, and Living With It

What Is a Colostomy Bag?

A colostomy bag is a medical device used to collect feces. In general, we poop through our anus. However, in some instances, one can not poop naturally. For such individuals, a colostomy bag is a convenient solution. This bag collects the poop and other waste products from the body. Some refer to it as a stoma bag or an ostomy bag, as this bag is attached to the body through a hole in the abdomen.

Why Is a Colostomy Bag Required?

The function of the food tract is to filter the food and obtain the necessary nutrients from it. After digestion, the waste and filtered food are removed from the body through the anus. The anus, also known as the poop hole, is located at the end of the digestive tract. However, before passing out of the body, it is stored in the rectum and passes through the anal canal. The lower portion of our large intestine, known as the colon, also helps in this process.

However, doctors remove part of the colon, rectum, or anal canal in some medical conditions. In such cases, an alternative way is created for the feces to exit. As a result, they make a hole in the abdomen and attach a bag to it. This type of surgery is known as a colostomy. So the colostomy bag works by collecting the poop and secretions from the gut.

A colostomy bag surgery is done in the following conditions:

1. An advanced stage of colon cancer that requires removal of the anal tract and part of the colon.

2. Rotting of the colon tissues due to the stoppage of the blood supply. Such a condition occurs in severe constipation or a blockage in the gastrointestinal tract.

3. Birth defect in the anal tract.

4. If you are suffering from irritable bowel syndrome or ulcerative colitis.

5. Severe abdominal injury that causes severe damage to the food tract.

However, in severe cases, doctors perform an ileostomy. Here, the doctors connect the last part of the small intestine to the abdominal wall for the poop to come out. Here, the entire large intestine is removed.

What Are the Types of Colostomy Bags?

After the surgery, you will need to choose a colostomy that meets your specific requirements. The types of colostomy bags are;

1. By Pouch Function:

Different bags have been designed. Based on the number of uses, the bag can be of two types. These are:

• Open-End System (Drainable):

These bags have an opening at the end, which is used to empty the bag. A clip keeps this opening empty. It is called a drainable or open-ended pouch.

• Closed-End System:

Closed-end pouches are for single use. You have to throw the bag when it is full.

2. By System Type:

The pouching system of the bag may vary. This can be.

1. Two-Piece Pouching System:

Here, a skin barrier helps the pouch attach to the body. A snapping or coupling mechanism helps in this process. While the pouch is changed, the skin barrier remains in place. Some bags have adhesives that let the skin barrier attach to the body more effectively. Additionally, based on the skin barriers, the bag can be either flat or convex. This allows the bag to attach to different stoma positions.

2. Single-Piece System:

In this setup, the bag attaches directly to the skin. These types of bags are for single use.

A colostomy bag must have the following properties;

• A colostomy bag full of poop must resist smell.

• It should be easy to remove it or attach it to the body.

• The bag should not leak and must be big enough to hold all the poop for three to four days.

• Others should not recognize the bag from the outside due to its size, color, and composition.

How to Use a Colostomy Bag?

When using a colostomy bag, it is essential to maintain proper hygiene. One can maintain the following steps while using a colostomy bag:

1. Clean your hands with soap and antiseptic solutions before changing the bag.

2. Clean the stoma in the abdomen with hot water and antiseptic solutions. If you are already using a bag, you must remove it before changing to a new one.

3. After this, dry the entire area and the surrounding skin.

4. Once the skin has completely dried, the new bag can be applied. After applying the adhesive, a new bag with a hole can be attached.

For proper usage, colostomy bag supplies often come with additional materials, such as tapes, skin barriers, adhesive removers, and ostomy belts. These products help to protect the skin while keeping the colostomy bag poop in its position. Also, one can choose or change bags according to their preferences. While sleeping, a 650 milliliter bag is recommended for collecting waste. For daytime use, a bag with a volume of 400 milliliters is recommended.

How Does Living With a Colostomy Bag Feel?

Living with a colostomy bag is not an easy task. However, you can continue with your normal daily activities while using this bag. You have to be careful about the following things:

• You must maintain good hygiene around the stoma area. Proper cleaning with antiseptic solutions, along with drying, is important.

• You should avoid participating in heavy or strenuous activities, as this can dislodge the bag. The smell of a colostomy bag can cause discomfort due to a broken seal.

• Avoid food items that cause flatulence. Cauliflower, cabbage, and beans are the foods to avoid while using a colostomy bag.

• A colostomy bag does not affect pregnancy or sexual activity.

• During bathing, the bag should be removed. Also, the hole must be kept clean and dry all the time.

• One should not worry about life expectancy with a colostomy bag, as it remains the same. However, if one does not lead a healthy life or is suffering from other illnesses, one should be cautious.

Is a Colostomy Bag Permanent or Temporary?

Whether the colostomy bag is permanent or not depends on the nature of the problem. If the colostomy operation is temporary, these bags are for temporary use. In such cases, one can use these bags for a few weeks until the corrective surgery is done. It mainly happens if you have any birth issues in the lower portion of the gastrointestinal tract or anal tract. However, if you have colon cancer, ulcerative colitis, or irritable bowel syndrome, you might need a permanent colostomy bag.

What Are the Risks and Complications of Using a Colostomy Bag?

As mentioned, maintaining good hygiene is essential during colostomy bag care. Otherwise, you may suffer from:

• Skin irritation and skin itching.

• Infection in your stoma site.

• Injury during the bag removal can cause bleeding.

However, you can also face issues due to surgery or at the stoma site. These can be:

• Your gut contents may bulge out, leading to a hernia.

• An obstruction in the hole can block the passage for your poop.

• Increased fluid loss from the body can lead to dehydration.

• The hole can sink below the skin level.

Conclusion

The purpose of the colostomy bag is to collect the poop and other waste products from the body. If one has colon cancer, abdominal injury, or ulcerative colitis, one might need this bag. Choosing the right colostomy bag according to the specific needs is crucial. Additionally, proper hygiene should be maintained when using it; otherwise, one may experience skin issues or infections. For any issues related to your gut colostomy bag, you can talk to a gastro health specialist for futher guidance.

Key Takeaways

• A colostomy bag collects the poop.

• After colostomy surgery, a hole is made in the abdomen for the poop to come out through the colon, and the colostomy bag attached collects the poop.

• Maintaining good hygiene is essential to prevent infection when using a colostomy bag.

• A colostomy bag does not hamper daily activities. However, one should refrain from doing strenuous activities.