Lyla Lindsey
A stoma bag is a medical device used to collect waste for individuals with an obstruction to the bladder or bowel. It fits securely around the stoma, an opening on the abdomen that is connected to the digestive or urinary system to divert waste out of the body. Stoma bags are designed to be worn for three to seven days and can be changed at home with the help of a nurse or by following step-by-step guides and videos. The process involves removing the old bag by releasing the adhesive, cleaning the stoma and surrounding skin, and applying a new bag by positioning it around the stoma and smoothing out any creases. Proper disposal methods vary depending on the type of bag. In Australia, the Stoma Appliance Scheme provides free or subsidised stoma bags and products to individuals who require them.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Stoma Bag Use | Collect waste for individuals with an obstruction to the bladder or bowel |
| Stoma Bag Change Frequency | Between 3 to 7 days |
| Stoma Bag Change Procedure | Wash hands, empty contents of the bag into the toilet, apply adhesive remover, peel back the adhesive, clean the stoma and surrounding area, dry thoroughly, apply new bag |
| Stoma Bag Disposal | Seal the used bag and dispose of it in a domestic refuse bin, do not flush unless it is a "flushable" bag |
| Stoma Bag Cost | Free through the Australian Government's Stoma Appliance Scheme |
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What You'll Learn
How to remove a stoma bag
Stoma bags should be changed every three to seven days. If you feel itching or burning around the stoma, change the bag as soon as possible as this could be a sign of a leak.
To remove a stoma bag, carefully release the adhesive, working from the top down while supporting the skin. If you choose to use an adhesive remover, spray a small amount as you peel away the adhesive. Once the bag is removed, fold the adhesive section in half so it seals.
If you use a drainable or urostomy bag, empty the contents into the toilet before removing the bag. Use a dry, non-woven wipe or washable cloth to remove any excess waste from around the stoma. Wash your stoma and the surrounding area with water and a non-woven wipe or washable cloth. Then, dry thoroughly.
After changing your bag, fold the top half of the adhesive back, then position it around the stoma, working from the bottom and smoothing upwards with your fingers. Take time to ensure there are no creases in the adhesive and use the warmth of your hands to mould the bag to your skin.
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Cleaning the stoma and skin
Before you begin, make sure you have all the necessary supplies within reach, including a clean cloth, warm water, soap, disposable paper towels, and a hairdryer. It is important to always clean the skin around the stoma with warm water and a soft cloth, being careful not to get water into the stoma. You should also avoid using soaps or lotions on the skin around the stoma, as they can cause irritation or block the opening. If you do use soap, make sure it is a mild, non-perfumed, and pH-neutral soap. Rinse the skin thoroughly with warm water after using soap to remove any residue.
Use a clean, dry disposable paper towel to gently pat the skin dry after cleaning. Ensure you dry the skin well, especially in the folds and creases, as moisture can lead to skin irritation and sores. If you have a hairdryer, set it to a cool setting and use it to dry the skin and the area around the stoma. This can help reduce the risk of moisture build-up and skin irritation.
When cleaning the stoma itself, use only warm water and a very soft cloth or cotton wool ball. Avoid using any soaps, wipes, or other cleaning products on the stoma, as these can cause irritation or damage to the delicate tissue. Gently wipe away any discharge or residue around the stoma, being careful not to apply too much pressure. Always clean from the top of the stoma downwards, following the direction of the hair growth if present.
If you notice any crusting or dried discharge on the stoma, soak it with warm water for a few minutes to soften it before gently wiping it away. Never pick or scrape at any crusting, as this can cause pain and damage to the stoma. In case of any hair growing around the stoma, trim it regularly with small scissors to prevent it from getting caught in the adhesive of the bag. However, be extremely cautious while trimming and avoid causing any cuts or injuries to the skin.
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Applying a new stoma bag
Prepare the Stoma Bag
Before you begin, ensure you have washed your hands. If you have a drainable or urostomy bag, empty its contents into the toilet. Apply a small amount of medical adhesive spray or wipe around the edge of the flange and wait a few seconds.
Remove the Old Stoma Bag
To remove the old stoma bag, carefully release the adhesive, working from the top down while supporting the skin. If needed, use an adhesive remover by spraying a small amount as you peel away the adhesive.
Clean the Stoma and Surrounding Skin
It is essential to keep the stoma and the surrounding skin clean and dry. Water is considered adequate for cleaning, but if you prefer to use soap, opt for a simple, non-perfumed, and non-moisturised variety. Ensure that the area is thoroughly dried to prevent skin irritation.
Measure and Cut the New Stoma Bag
Draw the template of your stoma onto the adhesive of the new bag and cut it out. Ensure that the hole fits snugly around the stoma to prevent leakage and skin irritation. Your Stoma Care Nurse will guide you through this process, and it will become easier with practice.
Apply the New Stoma Bag
Fold the top half of the adhesive back, then position it around the stoma, working from the bottom and smoothing upwards with your fingers. Ensure there are no creases in the adhesive, and use the warmth of your hands to mould the bag to your skin for a secure fit.
Remember to change your stoma bag every three to seven days, or sooner if you experience any itching or burning sensations, as these may be signs of a leak.
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How often to change a stoma bag
The frequency with which a stoma bag should be changed depends on the individual. Factors such as lifestyle, diet, and metabolism influence stoma output, so the best timeline for changing a stoma bag varies from person to person. On average, stoma bags are changed every three to five days, but they can be changed as often as one to three times a day. It is important to avoid putting off changing a stoma bag, as this can lead to accidents and damage to the peristomal skin.
If you have a colostomy and wear a closed bag, you will likely change your pouch after every bowel movement, approximately between one to three times a day. If you have an ileostomy, you will likely wear a drainable pouch, which you can empty throughout the day and change every two to three days, or however long you feel your wafer can last.
Some signs that your stoma bag needs changing include:
- Your stoma is leaking often
- Your stoma does not seem to fit as well as it did before
- You have a skin rash, or the skin around your stoma is raw
- You have a bad-smelling discharge from the stoma
- You have any kind of sore on the skin around your stoma
- Your stoma has less output than usual or your belly gets distended and painful
- You are experiencing itching or burning on the skin around the stoma
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Disposing of a stoma bag
Emptying the Stoma Bag
Before disposing of the stoma bag itself, you may need to empty its contents. If you have a urostomy or ileostomy bag, it is recommended to drain the contents into the toilet before disposal to prevent spillage. For a colostomy bag, you can snip the end with scissors and empty it into the toilet, or simply dispose of the closed bag with its contents. If you have a drainable ileostomy bag, you may opt to rinse it before disposal.
Removing the Stoma Bag
To remove the stoma bag, carefully release the adhesive, working from the top down while supporting the skin. You may use an adhesive remover spray to aid in removal, especially if the adhesive is still strong. Once the bag is removed, fold the adhesive section in half to seal it shut, ensuring no leakage occurs.
Disposing of the Stoma Bag
Stoma bags should not be flushed down the toilet unless they are specifically labelled as flushable. The correct way to dispose of a stoma bag is to place it in a disposal bag, which is then sealed and thrown into your normal domestic waste bin. These disposal bags are often provided by stoma product manufacturers and are designed to contain odours effectively. If you do not have a disposal bag, you can use a zip lock bag, a dark bag, or any other type of bag that can be sealed or tied off to contain odours.
Hygiene and Clean-up
After disposing of the stoma bag, remember to wash your hands thoroughly. To prevent odours in your waste bin, you may choose to put the disposal bag containing the used stoma bag directly into an outside bin. Double bagging or wrapping the used stoma bag in newspaper can also help manage odours. Additionally, consider using a bin cleaning service to keep your bins odour-free.
By following these steps, you can safely and effectively dispose of a stoma bag, maintaining good hygiene and minimising any unpleasant smells.
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Frequently asked questions
Stoma bags are designed to be worn for between three to seven days. Leaving the bag on for too long or changing it too frequently can cause skin irritation.
To remove a stoma bag, carefully release the adhesive, working from the top down while supporting the skin. You can use an adhesive remover spray to help with this.
The disposal method depends on the type of bag you use. For drainable and urostomy bags, empty the contents into the toilet, seal the bag in a disposal bag, and throw it into a domestic refuse bin. For closed bags, you can put the full bag directly into a disposal bag or cut it open and empty the contents into a toilet before disposal.
