About

An ostomy is a surgically created opening in your abdomen to allow urine or fecal wastes to leave your body. People will need an ostomy for a lot of reasons. The most significant of those reasons is a malfunctioning bladder or a part of the bowel. These ostomies can be permanent or temporary.

An ostomy surgery results in the formation of a stoma on your abdomen. A stoma is usually a part of the small or large intestine sticking out on your abdomen. You will have to wear an ostomy bag over the stoma to manage your stool evacuations.

No matter why you had ostomy surgery, you will have to wearan ostomy bag over the stoma. This situation can be difficult for a lot of people, but it becomes easier with time. Over time, wearing an ostomy bag will become much like second nature. You will, however, need to select from different types and sizes of bags. It may become overwhelming at times, but proper planning should help you get it done conveniently.

What is an ostomy bag?

After ostomy surgery, you will no longer be able to control your bowel movements. That means when fecal wastes will pass out of your stoma without allowing you to hold the evacuation until you reach the bathroom. That is why you will have to wear an ostomy bag over the stoma to collect waste materials. While you have to wear an ostomy bag outside the body, you can conceal it under the clothes. Your clothes will get soiled if you do not wear an ostomy bag.

What are different types of ostomy bags?

All ostomy bags fall into three main categories: colostomy bags, ileostomy bags, and urostomy bags. Each of these types of bags is suitable for a particular type of ostomy. You can look for further specifications once you figure out the type of ostomy bag you need. Here are the types of ostomies.

Colostomy

A colostomy refers to a bowel diversion resulting in a part of the large intestine brought out through a hole in the abdomen. This ostomy produces well-formed and firm stools.

Ileostomy

The bowel diversion that results in a part of the small intestine brought out through a cut in the belly is an ileostomy. This ostomy produces watery stools because it bypasses the entire colon, which absorbs water from feces.

Urostomy

This ostomy connects ureters to the outside of the body. The surgeon takes a small piece of the ileum and uses it as a conduit. One end of this conduit connects with ureters, while the second end appears to stick out on the abdomen, forming a stoma.

Choosing the correct type of ostomy bag

Since every person is not the same, the preferences for ostomy bags also vary. That is why a lot many options are available for ostomy bags. You will have to choose from this wide array of ostomy bags to stay comfortable and keep up with your day-to-day requirements.

There are four fundamental types of ostomy bags.

• One-piece ostomy bag: This bag comes with the skin barrier and pouches conjoined. Due to fewer components used in the construction of this bag, it tends to remain discreet under the clothes. This bag is an ideal choice if you are fond of playing sports.
• Two-piece ostomy bag: This bag comes with a skin barrier and the pouch as two separable elements. While using this ostomy pouching system, you can replace the ostomy bag without having to change the skin barrier.
• Drainable ostomy bag: This bag allows you to empty the contents of your pouch and then seal it for reuse. This bag is a good option if time management is an issue for you.
• Closed-end ostomy bag: This bag is made for single-use, meaning you have to discard it once it gets full. This bag is a good option if your ostomy produces firmer and less frequent stools.

You have to make sure to use the right kind of ostomy bag if you want to live a healthy life with your ostomy. You may need to use other supplies to ensure proper ostomy care. Be sure to stay in contact with your ostomy care nurse or doctor if you have any concerns about ostomy care.