Using a Colostomy Bag: Reasons, Types, and Guidance (2024)

A colostomy bag collects stool through a surgically created opening, called a stoma, from the large intestine to the outside of the body. Living with a colostomy bag can present challenges. However, with proper care, a colostomy can allow you to maintain an active, healthy life.The large intestine, or colon, is an organ that removes water and nutrients from partially digested food. It combines the remaining material into stool, or feces, and transports it to the rectum and anus.

Due to colon injury Trusted Source American Cancer Society Highly respected international organization Go to source or disease, a surgeon may need to create a colostomy. This allows stool to exit the body through an opening in the abdomen.

Most people who have a colostomy wear a colostomy bag over the opening to collect stool.For some people, living with a colostomy bag is temporary after surgery to allow the small or large intestine to heal. For others, the use of a colostomy bag may be permanent.

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Feel empowered after stoma surgeryManage your colostomyColostomy Bag: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment | AdaColostomy Stoma and Bag Care

This article will provide an overview of different types of colostomy bags and the reasons for using them. It will also provide guidance on living with a colostomy bag, including maintenance and care tips.

A colostomy may be necessary when the large intestine cannot function as it normally would. Conditions that may cause this include:

• intestinal bowel obstruction
• cancer
• trauma or injury to the bowel
• infection
• inflammatory bowel disease, including ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease
• diverticular disease
• congenital conditions that affect the large intestine and anus

If you undergo surgery on part of the large intestine, you may have a temporary colostomy while the area heals. You will undergo surgery to reverse the colostomy and resume typical digestive function when it does.

Learn more about colostomy, including different types, and what to expect during and after your procedure.

Depending on the reason for colostomy surgery, your colostomy bag may be temporary or permanent. You may only need your bag for a few months to allow part of the colon to heal from illness or injury.

Some people may require a permanent colostomy bag. This can result from a surgery that removes the lower part of the large intestine, the rectum, and the anus. Permanently damaged tissue or conditions that affect the function of the anus can also require a permanent colostomy.

Most people can lead full and active lives with their colostomy bags. Talk with your doctor about your condition so you know what to expect after your colostomy surgery.

Some colostomy bags are drainable bags with an opening at the bottom for emptying. Others are closed bags that you remove when filled. Closed bags may need changing 1–3 times per day. Drainable bags need replacing every 2–3 days.

There are two primary types of bags and pouching systems:

• One-piece pouches: These systems combine a skin barrier and bag. The barrier goes on the skin around the stoma. Then the bag attaches directly to the barrier. To change the bag, you must remove the barrier as well.

• Two-piece systems: With these systems, the barrier and bag are separate. The barrier can remain on the skin when you change the bag. The bag attaches to a flange on the barrier. Attaching or removing the bag is similar to using a reusable plastic container cap.

Colostomy bags come in assorted sizes and can be clear or opaque. Hypoallergenic materials in colostomy bags help to minimize skin irritation. They also may contain filters specially designed to control any odors.

Your ostomy nurse will help you choose the bag and pouching system that is right for you. They will take into consideration your:

• type of colostomy
• lifestyle
• bowel patterns

You may not always need to wear a colostomy bag if you have regular or predictable bowel patterns. However, you may want to wear a small stoma cap, which can help prevent occasional leakages. A stoma cap can also provide coverage for people who irrigate their colostomy, which involves washing out their colon with water.

Colostomy bags are often undetectable under most clothing. According to the United Ostomy Associations of America, many pouching systems are unnoticeable even under the most form-fitting clothes — including some swimsuits.

Your surgeon and a nurse specializing in helping people with colostomies will teach you how to manage and change your colostomy bag. Here are the basic steps of changing a colostomy bag:

1. Wash your hands.
2. Carefully remove your colostomy bag. If your bag can empty from the bottom, you may want to empty it into a toilet first.
3. Place your old colostomy bag in a separate bag and place it in the trash.
4. Put on a clean colostomy bag. If you use a two-piece system, press the new bag into place on your skin barrier. If you use a one-piece system, first clean the area around your stoma. You will change and replace the skin barrier as well.
5. Double-check your bag to be sure it is secure. Check the seal between the barrier, bag, and clip at the bottom of the bag, if you use one.
6. Wash your hands again.

Living with a colostomy bag gets easier over time. Your doctor, nurse, and other people with colostomies are invaluable resources who can help you troubleshoot problems.

A colostomy does not have to limit your life. You can work, travel, exercise, and participate in most leisure activities, including swimming and water sports. However, doctors advise against participating in rough contact sports, which may dislodge your colostomy bag.

You can engage in sexual activity as you feel comfortable. Some people like to wear lingerie, clothing, or a wrap that conceals the colostomy bag during sexual activity.

Contact your doctor or other care team members if you have concerns about your colostomy bag or experience related issues. They can provide guidance on proper techniques and offer support resources.

Here are some other questions people ask about colostomy bags, answered by Kelsey Trull, PA-C, MPAS.

Immediately after surgery, a person may produce a few small bowel movements. With time, bowel movements will decrease. There may still be an occasional urge to defecate, and some people will occasionally produce small amounts of mucus.

With proper care, a colostomy bag should only smell when you empty or change it. You should follow up with a healthcare professional if a smell persists. They will ensure you have properly fitting ostomy supplies and no leaks. Colostomy pouch deodorants are available if necessary.

You can wear pants with a colostomy bag. Try to avoid tight-fitting pants that cause a bulge or tug on the bag, which can lead to leaks.

Depending on the reason for the procedure, a person’s life expectancy with a colostomy is no different from a person without one. It is important to perform proper care and maintenance.

A colostomy bag is a pouch that collects stool from the large intestine through a surgically created opening called a stoma.

There are two primary types of colostomy bags and pouching systems: one-piece and two-piece. The type of system you need will depend on your type of colostomy, bowel patterns, and lifestyle.

Your surgeon and nurse will teach you how to manage and change your colostomy bag. They will also help you manage any problems and answer questions about living with your bag. With proper care, many people with colostomy bags lead full, active lives.