Surgeries that modify the functioning of the body can have very different results in each patient. In the case of ostomy we can recognize that there are numerous factors that intervene in the final result. That is why it is important to know the different types of colostomy pouches, in order to select the one that best suits the needs of each patient.
Types of bags
After an ostomy, stool will exit through a new opening in the body called a stoma. It will no longer be possible to feel or control when the waste leaves the body. Therefore, the patient will need to use a colostomy bag to collect the waste from the body. The pouch is also responsible for retaining bad odors and protecting the skin around the stoma.
Colostomy bags can be divided into two classifications:
- Open bag or closed bag.
- One-piece bag or two-piece bag.
Closed colostomy bag
The main characteristic of this type of pouch is that it does not have any outlet to evacuate the feces. That is why they are called closed, because they cannot be emptied. This means that when the bag is full, it is completely discarded and a new one is placed.
This type of pouch is recommended when the user passes stool only once a day, as the change is only made when the pouch is full. The closed pouch can also be very useful when traveling, during intimate moments (as there are no clamps or fasteners), or even for swimming.
If the patient has had an ileostomy, this type of bag is not as advisable, since bowel movements are more frequent and the user should carry additional bags with him. This is not counting the plastic bags that may be needed to dispose of the bag that was filled.
Open colostomy bag
An open bag can be opened at the bottom to dispose of evacuations. In this way, it is no longer necessary to remove the pouch each time it fills up, which is why it is also called a "drainable" pouch. Since it is not necessary to remove it to empty it, the pouch can remain attached to the skin for several days, reducing irritation.
Open or drainable pouches are an excellent option for people who have had an ileostomy. Because their bowel movements are more frequent, they can simply empty the stool without having to go through the process of removing the entire pouch and inserting a new one.
There are different types of closure for open colostomy bags:
- Clamp: It is the classic and preferred by many people for the security it provides.
- Integrated closing: There are models that include an opening/closing system that allows the bag to be closed without the need for a clamp, but with the same security as the clamp.
One-piece colostomy bag
This type of pouch is the one that has an integrated base that adheres to the skin, also called "skin barrier". In this case, the skin barrier is made of natural or synthetic resins called hydrocolloids. These allow the pouch to adhere around the stoma, achieving two things:
- Avoid moisture and irritation of the skin around the stoma.
- Keep the bag properly attached.
When this type of bag is full, it is discarded by removing the entire system. In other words, the bag must be removed with the skin barrier (as they are joined together) in order to place a new colostomy bag.
Two-piece colostomy bag
The two-piece bag is so called because it is a two-part system:
- The skin barrier: this is the part that adheres to the skin surrounding the stoma.
- The pouch: which is responsible for collecting debris and adheres to the skin barrier.
The skin barrier is responsible for protecting the skin. It usually includes a rim that is used to attach it to the colostomy bag. The size of the skin barrier is designed to fit exactly to a specific pouch, making the system slightly less flexible.
A great advantage of two-piece colostomy bags is that the entire system does not have to be removed if you have more frequent bowel movements. It is only necessary to remove the pouch and place a new one connecting it to the skin barrier. This is less irritating to the skin surrounding the stoma, because once attached, the skin barrier stays in place no matter how many times the pouch needs to be changed.
The bag you should choose
Regardless of the type of pouch, colostomy bags are lightweight and lie flat against the body. Because they are available in different styles and sizes, it is important to choose the best one for each patient's needs. That is why it is important to have the advice of a doctor or nurse who specializes in wounds and ostomies, to recognize the individual situation of the user and to be able to recommend the most appropriate colostomy pouch.
