Ostomy Care

How To Change An Ostomy Appliance

The idea of undergoing ostomy surgery can be daunting, but the fact of the matter is that it can improve the quality of life. In some cases, it may even save lives. After surgery, you are going to need to take good care of your ileostomy or colostomy.

Ostomy care almost entirely depends on the ostomy supplies. You have to make sure that you have chosen the right types of ostomy supplies. The best ostomy appliance is the one that prevents leakage of stomal output underneath the skin barrier. Your ostomy care nurse will give you basic instructions regarding how to empty and change an ostomy pouch.

You may want to ask your nurse regarding how to change an ostomy pouch. In this article, we will discuss some basic tips in this regard.

How to change an ostomy pouch

You first need to have the entire set of items that you will need during an ostomy pouch change. Here are the supplies that you will need during the process.

Adhesive remover
Wafer
Skin protector
Measuring guide
Pencil
Plastic bags
Stomahesive paste
New ostomy pouch
Washcloth and towel
Scissors

Steps involved in changing an ostomy pouch

First, you need to choose the time to change the ostomy bag. Make sure that your stoma is not active at that time.
Clean your hands by washing them.
Empty the pouch before taking it off.
If you have had secured the skin barrier with tape, remove that tape using the adhesive remover. Peel the skin barrier off from the skin by pushing the skin away from the skin and pulling the skin barrier using the other hand.
Put the used ostomy supplies into a disposal bag. You may not want to throw the clip away. Seal the disposal bag to prevent odor from coming out of the used supplies.
Clean the skin around the stoma using warm water and a soft cloth. You may want to clean this part of the skin while showering. Make sure not to use scented soap because it can leave a residue on the peristomal skin, making it difficult for the new skin barrier to get hold of the skin.
Pat the skin dry instead of rubbing it. Measure your stoma using the measuring guide. It is best to leave 1/8-inch between the measuring guide and the stoma.
Use this measurement to mark the shape of the opening on the flange. Use scissors to make a hole.
Use the skin protector on the peristomal skin. Make sure to cover the entire area that has to come under the skin barrier.
Remove the paper backing from the adhesive side of the skin barrier, and apply the barrier on the peristomal skin. The stoma should be in the center of the opening.
Attach a new pouch onto the skin barrier by snapping it on the skin barrier’s sealing structure.
Press the skin barrier gently with your fingers and cover it under your palms to make sure that it makes a good seal with the skin.
Use the clip to close the bottom of the pouch.

Your ostomy care nurse will run you through the process of pouch change during your hospital stay. Make sure to pay attention to every step to avoid pouch failures.

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