How to Empty a Colostomy Bag

One of the issues that patients are usually concerned with after surgery is how to empty a colostomy bag. Of course, it may be unusual at first. In a little while, you will get used to new conditions. Moreover, it won’t prevent you from enjoying an active life.

You may have various questions concerning emptying or changing the colostomy bag. In this article, you will find detailed answers to them.

What Is A Colostomy Bag?

It’s a plastic bag that is used to collect your feces after a colostomy surgery. It’s attached to the stoma.

Why do you need it? The stoma has neither muscles nor nerve endings. That’s why it’s impossible to control when you feel like moving your bowels. So, you need a colostomy bag to accumulate the matter any time it’s necessary.

Do you worry over how people live with a colostomy bag or whether it’s possible to travel with it? One can live with it perfectly well. 

 

PRO tip: There is no need to give up all the habits you used to have before the surgery. You just need some time to adjust to taking care of the stoma bag. 

How Does A Colostomy Bag Work?

A colostomy bag is a system that consists of:

  • the part that is adhered directly to the skin. It’s called the flange.
  • the pouch that collects the fecal matter.

Depending on whether the pouch is a detachable part of the bag or not, the following types of colostomy bags are distinguished:

  • one-piece bag. It’s the appliance where the flange and the pouch are connected to each other. In this case, it’s better not to empty the bag but replace it with a fresh one;
  • two-piece bag. It consists of the flange that is attached to the skin and the bag that is connected to the flange. You change the bag when it’s required. As for the flange, one may use it for two or three days.

What About Other Types Of Colostomy Bags? 

There is one more classification of ostomy bags. They can be:

  • drainable that one can empty and continue using for several days. There is a special hole at the bottom of the pouch that allows draining the matter out and cleaning it.
  • closed or non-drainable ones. They are intended for a single-use. So, you have to change them frequently.

All of the colostomy bags should be changed regularly. You have to decide which type of pouch will be more convenient for you. 

Some people use different types of ostomy bags depending on the circumstances and situations. On the one hand, drainable pouches may seem more practical and cost-effective. On the other hand, there are cases when a fresh closed-end bag is the only possible solution. 

How To Empty And Clean A Colostomy Bag?

If you have decided to opt for a system with a drainable pouch, it’s worth knowing how to empty a colostomy bag. There are four possible methods to use:

  • sitting forward on the toilet seat;
  • sitting backward on the toilet seat;
  • squatting in front of the toilet;
  • standing up.

There are various situations when you need to empty the ostomy bag. There may be limited space or inappropriate conditions for doing it. It’s good if you know all of the methods and can choose the one that will be suitable for each particular situation. 

Sitting Forward On The Toilet Seat

It’s one of the most popular methods that are used by people with a stoma. If you have doubts as to how to empty a colostomy bag or do it for the first time, try this position. It’s comfortable. Furthermore, there is a low risk of splashing the feces.

What should you do?

  1. Sit down on the seat to ensure you have as much space between your legs as possible.
  2. Put the bottom of the colostomy bag between the legs.
  3. Open the pouch to let the matter flow down the toilet.
  4. Rinse the bag or use wet wipes or toilet paper to clean the opening.

Sitting Backward On The Toilet Seat

This position is not common, as people consider it uncomfortable. However, if the top of the toilet cistern is quite wide, it’s convenient to put all the necessary items on it. As for the procedure itself, it’s the same as in the previous method. The only difference is that you sit backward. 

Squatting In Front Of The Toilet

This method is also used by patients. However, in this case, you have to pay attention to the height of the toilet and the position of your stoma. If your bag is right at the level of the toilet, you won’t be anxious about splashing the fecal matter.

Standing Up

This method is more suitable for men. It may seem a bit weird for women. However, sometimes you may find yourself in such conditions, especially in public places, that it will be the only possible option. Here are some recommendations on how to avoid splashback. 

  • If you wear a T-shirt or a shirt, try to pull it up before the procedure.
  • You can use some toilet paper. Throw it into the water before emptying your bag.
  • While pulling out the pouch, it’s important to direct it to the inner side of the toilet.
  • If it’s possible, lean forward to reduce the distance. 
  • Open the bottom of the pouch and let the contents fall out. Then rinse the opening or clean it with toilet paper or wet wipes.

As you can see, there are various methods of emptying the colostomy bag. Some of them are more convenient than others. Still, it’s necessary to know all of them. You never know when and under what circumstances you will need to change or empty your ostomy bag. Having experimented with all of the positions, you will be ready for everything. 

PRO tip: If you have an opportunity, try all of the mentioned methods. It will help you find the most appropriate for you. 

How To Change A Colostomy Bag?

If you use not only drainable colostomy bags but also closed ones, you should know how to change them. There are some useful guidelines to follow:

  1. First of all, it’s important to wash your hands thoroughly.
  2. Peel the bag from the stoma by carefully releasing the adhesive.  
  3. You can either empty the bag into the toilet or place it into a disposal sack.
  4. Clean the stoma with non-perfumed soap and warm water and dry it well.
  5. The next step is to measure the stoma to prepare a perfect flange for it. It’s necessary to measure the stoma every time you change the bag, especially during the first weeks after the surgery. 

When the stoma size stops decreasing and doesn’t change anymore, it will be easier. As you know the exact size, you will draw the template on the adhesive of the colostomy bag and prepare it before changing the system.

  1. Remove the protective film from the adhesive of the new colostomy bag and place it around the stoma. Make sure you haven’t created creases in the adhesive and the flange is stuck well to the skin.
  2. Check the end of the colostomy bag to be sealed.
  3. Remove the materials that are left and wash your hands.

How Often Do You Have To Empty A Colostomy Bag?

It’s recommended to empty your colostomy bag when it’s one-third full. If you have no opportunity to do it right away, one-half full is also allowable, but not more. Otherwise, you will have to deal with the consequences, such as an odor, leaking, and others.

In general, you will have to empty it up to eight times a day. So, if you want to travel somewhere, make sure you have all the necessary items either for emptying or changing your ostomy bags.

Thus, it’s not so difficult to learn how to empty a colostomy bag, as well as live with it. There are a lot of various appliances that make the life of people with a stoma easier. The key point is to know all the necessary information and choose the best possible option that will be suitable for your lifestyle.