Emptying a Colostomy Bag

How to empty a colostomy bag is one of the concerns that patients frequently have following surgery. Of course, at first, it could seem strange. You will quickly adjust to your new surroundings. Additionally, it won’t stop you from leading a full life of activity.

You can have a number of inquiries about emptying or replacing the colostomy bag. You can find in-depth responses to them in this article.
How do colostomy bags work?

After colostomy surgery, you put your faeces in a plastic bag to collect them. It has a stoma connection.

What makes you require it? Both muscles and nerve endings are absent from the stoma. Because of this, it is impossible to control when you feel the urge to urinate. Therefore, you require a colostomy bag to store the material whenever it is required.

Do you have any concerns about how people manage their colostomy bags or whether they can travel with them? It’s not difficult to deal with.



Pro tip: You don’t have to stop all of your old routines after surgery. Simply give yourself some time to become used to caring for the stoma bag.
How do colostomy bags operate?

A system called a colostomy bag includes:

the area that is immediately attached to the skin. It is known as the flange.
the container used to store faeces

The following colostomy bag types can be classified based on whether or not the pouch is a detachable component of the bag:

an all-in-one bag It is the piece of equipment that connects the pouch and the flange. Instead of emptying the bag in this situation, it is preferable to replace it with a brand-new, two-piece bag. It is made up of the bag connected to the flange and the flange attached to the skin. When necessary, the bag is changed. The flange can be used for two to three days.

What About Additional Colostomy Bag Types?

Ostomy bags can also be categorised in another way. They include:

drainable, refillable, and usable for numerous days. The pouch has a unique opening at the bottom that allows the contents to be drained and cleaned.
closed or incapable of draining. They are designed to be used only once. As a result, you must replace them periodically.

The colostomy bags should all be changed on a regular basis. Which pouch will be more practical for you must be determined.

Depending on the circumstances and scenarios, some individuals use various types of ostomy bags. On the surface, drainable pouches can appear more useful and economical. On the other hand, occasionally the only workable option is a brand-new closed-end bag.
How Should I Clean and Empty a Colostomy Bag?

Knowing how to empty a colostomy bag is important if you’ve chosen a system with a drainable pouch. There are four approaches you could take:

Squatting in front of the toilet, sitting backwards on the toilet seat, standing up, and sitting forwards on the toilet seat

There are several circumstances in which you must empty the ostomy bag. There can be insufficient room or unsuitable circumstances. Knowing all of the techniques and being able to select the best one for each unique circumstance is a good thing.
Forward position on the toilet seat

It’s one of the most widely employed techniques among those who have stomas. Try this posture if you’re unsure how to empty a colostomy bag or are doing it for the first time. It’s relaxing. Additionally, there is less chance of faeces splashing.

What ought you to do?

Make sure you have as much room as possible between your legs by sitting down on the seat.
Place the colostomy bag’s bottom between the legs.
To let the matter go down the toilet, open the pouch.
To clean the opening, rinse the bag or use wet wipes or toilet paper.

Rear-End Position on the Toilet Seat

The fact that individuals find this position uncomfortable makes it uncommon. However, it is practical to place all the necessary objects on top of the toilet cistern if it is relatively wide. The process itself is the same as it was with the previous approach. The only distinction is that you take a backward seat.
Kneeling Before the Toilet

Patients also employ this technique. However, in this instance, you need to be mindful of the toilet’s height and your stoma’s location. You won’t worry about splattering the waste if your bag is directly on the toilet’s level.
Getting Up

Men would benefit more from this approach. For women, it could appear a little strange. However, occasionally you could find yourself in situations where it’s your only choice, especially in public settings. Here are some suggestions for preventing splashback.

Try to pull your shirt or T-shirt up before the surgery if you’re wearing one.
Use some toilet paper, if you like. It should be thrown into the sea before you empty your bag.
It’s crucial to move the bag towards the toilet’s interior side as you take it out.
Leaning forward may help shorten the distance.
Allow the contents to spill out of the bag by opening the bottom. Following that, rinse the opening or clean it with damp wipes or toilet paper.

You can see that there are several ways to empty the colostomy bag. Some of them are more convenient than others. But you must be aware of them all. You never know when or how often you’ll need to empty or change your ostomy bag. You will be prepared for anything because you will have tried out every position.

PRO advice: If you have the chance, try each of the above techniques. It will assist you in selecting the best option for you.
How Can A Colostomy Bag Be Changed?

If you use both closed and drainable colostomy bags, you should be able to change them. There are some helpful rules to abide by:

It’s crucial to fully cleanse your hands beforehand.
Release the glue slowly and carefully to remove the bag from the stoma.
The bag can either be dumped into the toilet or put into a garbage bag.
With warm water and unscented soap, thoroughly wash and dry the stoma.
The stoma must be measured in order to create a flawless flange. Every time you replace the bag, especially in the first few weeks following surgery, you must measure the stoma.

It will be simpler once the stoma size stops changing and stops lowering. You will prepare it before changing the system by drawing the template on the colostomy bag’s adhesive since you are aware of its precise size.

Place the new colostomy bag around the stoma after removing the protective film from the adhesive. Make sure the flange is well adhered to the skin and that you haven’t creased the adhesive.
Make sure the colostomy bag’s end is sealed.
Wash your hands after removing the leftover items.

How Frequently Must a Colostomy Bag Be Emptied?

When your colostomy bag is one-third full, you should empty it. If you don’t have the chance to complete it right away, half is also acceptable, but not more. If not, you will have to deal with the negative effects, which may include an odour, leaking, and other things.

Typically, you’ll need to empty it eight times per day. Therefore, if you plan to travel, be sure to include everything you’ll need for emptying or replacing your ostomy bags.

So learning to live with and empty a colostomy bag is not that difficult. The lives of people with stomas are made easier by a wide variety of equipment. The most important thing is to have all the knowledge you need to make the best decision for your lifestyle.