An ostomy pouching system or colostomy bag is a medical device prosthetic that provides
a means for the collection of waste from a surgically diverted biological system and
the creation of a stoma.
Pouching systems are most commonly associated with colostomies, ileostomies, and urostomies.
Pouching systems usually consist of a collection pouch bag, known as a one-piece system or,
in some instances involves a mounting plate, commonly called a wafer or a baseplate, and
a collection pouch that is attached mechanically or with an adhesive in an airtight seal, known
as a two-piece system.
The selection of systems varies greatly between individuals and is often based on personal
preference and lifestyle.
Ostomy pouching systems collect waste that is output from a stoma.
The pouching system allows the stoma to drain into a sealed collection pouch, while protecting
the surrounding skin from contamination.
Ostomy pouching systems are air- and water-tight and allow the wearer to lead an active lifestyle
that can include all forms of sports and recreation.
Ostomy pouching systems are also sometimes referred to as an appliance, where the term
appliance refers to a prosthesis, as a mechanical replacement for a biological function.
Wafers/baseplates
Most wafers/baseplates are manufactured using pectin or similar organic material and are
available in a wide variety of sizes to accommodate a person's particular anatomy.
The internal opening must be the correct size to accommodate the individual's stoma while
protecting the skin from contact with waste.
The methods for sizing this opening vary depending on the type of wafer/baseplate; some pre-cut
sizes are available, however most users normally customize the opening using scissors.
Manufacturers have recently introduced moldable wafers than can be shaped by hand without
the need for scissors.
Skin adhesion for modern wafers/baseplates are optimized on all the five parameters required
in an adhesive: absorption
tack and adhesion flexibility
erosion resistance ease of removal.
In addition, modern wafers/baseplates with adhesive border can provide additional security
that the system stays in place.
A wafer/baseplate may last between one to ten days before it needs to be replaced; this
is highly dependent on the individual's lifestyle, ostomy type, and anatomy.
Pouches
The method of attachment to the wafer varies between manufactures and includes permanent,
press-on/click, turning locking rings and "sticky" adhesive mounts.
The two-piece arrangement allows pouches to be exchanged without removing the wafer; for
example, some people prefer to temporarily switch to a "mini-pouch" for swimming, intimate
and other short-term activities.
Mini-pouches are suitable for minimum usage only.
Pouches can be broken down into two basic types: open-end and closed-end.
Open-end pouches have a resealable end that can be opened to drain the contents of the
pouch into a toilet.
The end is sealed with either a Velcro-type closure or a simple clip.
Closed-end pouches must be removed and replaced with a new pouch once the bag is full.
This system can cause extreme damage to the skin area under the adhesive due to the frequency
of removal and re-application.
The use of open-end vs. closed-end pouches is dependent on the frequency in which an
individual needs to empty the contents, as well as economics.
Gas is created during digestion, and an airtight pouch will collect this and inflate.
To prevent this some pouches are available with special charcoal filtered vents that
will allow the gas to escape, and prevent ballooning at night.
See also Colostomy
Ileostomy Urostomy
References
External links United Ostomy Associations of America
International ostomy association European ostomy association
Coloplast educational material Animated instruction guides
Hollister Ostomy Educational Theatre