Guide To Changing The Stoma Bag

A timely stoma pouch change is a necessary part of the ostomy care regimen. To change your pouch, you will need to have the following supplies in easy access.

• A stoma bag

• A template and scissors

• Dry wipes

• Warm water

• Adhesive remover

• Disposal bag

Before beginning with the process of pouch change, make sure you wash and clean your hands.

Steps involved in changing the stoma pouch

• First, you will need to create an opening on the adhesive side of the stoma. You may want to use a template to figure out the right size of your stoma and then use that measurement to create an opening on the flange. It is crucial to make sure that the opening created on the flange fits the size of the stoma. You can make the opening only 1/8-inch larger than the size of the stoma to make the ostomy appliance easily wearable. If you have a regular-sized stoma, you may want to use a precut ostomy appliance, which comes with a premade opening in the flange. This step also involves the removal and disposal of the used ostomy pouch. If removing the old ostomy pouch from your peristomal skin is difficult, you may want to use an adhesive remover, which is generally available in the form of spray or wipes.

• After removing the used ostomy pouch, fold its adhesive side in half to seal its opening. That will prevent the stomal output from flowing out of the bag.

• Place the old ostomy pouch into a disposal bag and throw it into a trash can. Make sure to seal the disposal bag properly.

• Clean the skin around the stoma using warm water and dry wipes. Using soap is not necessary. On the contrary, it might turn out to be counterproductive as it can leave a residue on the peristomal skin. This residue can compromise the seal between the skin barrier and the peristomal skin. If you must use soap, make sure that it doesn’t contain any oils and perfumes.

• No matter what type of your ostomy is, make sure that the skin around your stoma is dry and clean.

• To apply the new pouching system, remove the backing from the adhesive side of the new ostomy appliance.

• Fold the flange of the ostomy pouch so that the adhesive side forms a bulge. Fit it around the stoma and work from the bottom all the way upward to smoothen the flange. If you have to take time to ensure there are no creases in the adhesive, take it. You may want to use the warmth of your hand to make the adhesive side of the barrier to settling down over the peristomal skin properly.

• Using a two-piece ostomy pouch is more convenient as compared to wearing a one-piece ostomy appliance. You will need to wear the flange without having to handle its pouch. Once the flange is settled over the peristomal skin, you can snap the pouch on and allow the ostomy pouch to manage your stool evacuations.

If you have any confusion regarding how to change a stoma bag, you may want to discuss with your ostomy care nurse.