An ostomy is a surgically created opening in the abdomen that redirects waste from the body when the digestive or urinary system cannot function normally. This opening, known as a stoma, allows urine or stool to exit the body through an alternative pathway. Ostomy products are specifically designed medical tools that manage this bodily function externally, collecting waste and protecting the surrounding skin. They enable individuals with an ostomy to maintain hygiene and lead an active life.
The Two Main Components
An ostomy system consists of two main parts: the skin barrier and the ostomy pouch. The skin barrier, also called a flange or wafer, is the adhesive portion that attaches directly to the skin around the stoma. Its purpose is to protect the skin from corrosive output, prevent leakage, and provide a secure base for the pouch.
Skin barriers are often made from hydrocolloid materials. These materials are gentle on the skin, absorb moisture, and help prevent irritation. They mold to the body’s contours, creating a seal that keeps waste from contacting the skin. The ostomy pouch, or bag, connects to this skin barrier, serving as a collection receptacle for diverted bodily waste. Pouches are constructed from odor-barrier, rustle-free films for discretion and effective odor management. They are designed to be comfortable for daily wear.
Types of Ostomy Systems
Ostomy systems come in various configurations, categorized as one-piece or two-piece systems. A one-piece system integrates the skin barrier and the collection pouch into a single unit. This design offers simplicity and a lower profile, making it less noticeable under clothing. When changing a one-piece system, both the pouch and the skin barrier are removed and replaced together.
A two-piece system features a separate skin barrier and a detachable pouch. The pouch attaches to the skin barrier via a coupling mechanism, such as an adhesive or mechanical ring. This allows the pouch to be changed independently while the skin barrier remains in place, offering flexibility for skin health and activity adaptation. While two-piece systems might be slightly bulkier due to the coupling, they provide versatility in managing waste and allow for easier stoma inspection.
Pouches are also classified by their function. Drainable pouches have an opening at the bottom for emptying, suitable for continuous or frequent output like ileostomies or liquid colostomies. Closed pouches are sealed at the bottom and designed for single use, disposed of once full, often chosen for more formed or less frequent output. Urostomy pouches are designed for urine collection, featuring an anti-reflux valve to prevent backflow and a tap for easy drainage.
Common Ostomy Accessories
Various supplementary products enhance comfort, security, and skin health for individuals using ostomy systems.
- Adhesive removers, available as wipes or sprays, gently detach the skin barrier and remove sticky residue, preventing skin damage from frequent removal.
- Skin prep wipes or barriers create a protective film on the skin before applying the barrier, improving adhesion and safeguarding against irritation.
- Barrier rings are moldable, flexible seals placed around the stoma before the skin barrier. They fill uneven skin contours, creating a flatter surface that enhances the seal and prevents leakage.
- Ostomy paste acts as a caulk to fill gaps, creases, or scars around the stoma, ensuring a secure, leak-resistant seal. It is a sealant, not an adhesive, creating an even surface.
- Deodorizers are placed inside the pouch to neutralize odors. Some also have lubricating properties, helping waste slide to the bottom and preventing “pancaking.”
- Support belts or wraps provide additional security and support, holding the pouch snugly against the body. These belts reduce pouch weight, minimize shifting, and contribute to confidence and comfort, potentially preventing hernias.
Choosing the Right Products
Selecting appropriate ostomy products is a personalized process, influenced by a range of individual factors.
- The specific type of ostomy (colostomy, ileostomy, or urostomy) often dictates product features, as waste consistency and frequency vary.
- Stoma characteristics, such as size, shape, and protrusion, also determine the most effective skin barrier and pouch fit.
- The condition of the skin around the stoma, including folds, scarring, or sensitivities, influences product choice for optimal skin health and adhesion.
- An individual’s lifestyle, including activity level, clothing preferences, and daily routines, impacts product selection, as some systems suit active individuals or those prioritizing discretion.
- Consulting a healthcare professional, such as an ostomy nurse, provides personalized guidance in finding the system that best meets individual needs.