Ostomy supplies are specialized medical devices designed to manage the continuous output from a surgically created opening, or stoma, on the abdomen. These supplies form a pouching system that collects and contains bodily waste, which is necessary when the body’s natural elimination pathway is bypassed due to disease or injury. The system is engineered to protect the skin, ensure a secure seal, and allow the user to manage their waste discreetly and hygienically. This technology allows individuals who have undergone ostomy surgery to maintain an active and comfortable life.
Understanding the Need for an Ostomy
An ostomy procedure is performed to reroute the digestive or urinary system, creating an opening called a stoma through the abdominal wall. This opening allows stool or urine to exit the body when the lower portion of the bowel or the bladder is diseased, damaged, or removed. Conditions such as colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, or severe abdominal trauma can necessitate this surgery.
The type of ostomy determines the nature of the waste product being managed. A colostomy diverts the large intestine, resulting in output that is often more formed or semi-solid stool. An ileostomy diverts the small intestine, producing a more liquid and frequent output that contains corrosive digestive enzymes. A urostomy diverts the urinary tract, allowing urine to drain continuously. The characteristics of this output directly influence the specific supplies needed for effective collection and skin protection.
Core Components and Their Primary Functions
The collection pouch, often called an ostomy bag, is a multi-layered, odor-proof receptacle designed to receive and contain the waste that exits the stoma. These pouches incorporate features like charcoal filters or vents to neutralize odors and allow gas to escape, preventing the pouch from “ballooning” under clothing.
Pouches come in two main styles: closed-end and drainable. Closed pouches are used by individuals with a colostomy who have a more formed, predictable output, and they are discarded after a single use. Drainable pouches have an opening at the bottom secured by a clamp or closure, allowing the user to empty the liquid or semi-solid contents multiple times before replacing the entire pouch. Urostomy pouches are always drainable and include a small tap or valve at the base for easy liquid drainage, sometimes attaching to a larger collector for overnight use.
The skin barrier, also referred to as a wafer or flange, is the adhesive component that secures the pouching system to the abdomen around the stoma. Its function is to create a watertight seal, preventing irritating waste from contacting the peristomal skin. This barrier is made from hydrocolloid materials, which are flexible and designed to absorb moisture from the skin while maintaining adhesion.
Pouching systems are available as either one-piece or two-piece configurations. A one-piece system has the skin barrier and the collection pouch manufactured as a single, inseparable unit, which offers simplicity and a lower profile for discretion. A two-piece system features a separate skin barrier and a pouch that mechanically snap or adhere together, allowing the pouch to be changed or emptied without removing the barrier from the skin.
Specialized Accessories for Skin Care and Security
Beyond the core pouch and barrier, several accessories are available to enhance the security of the seal and maintain the health of the peristomal skin. Barrier rings and pastes are moldable products used to fill in any uneven surfaces, creases, or scars on the abdomen immediately around the stoma. This application creates a smoother, more level surface for the skin barrier to adhere to, preventing leakage and protecting the skin from output exposure.
Protective powders and film wipes are used to condition the skin before applying the adhesive barrier. Stoma powder, which is absorbent, is dusted sparingly onto damp, irritated skin to help dry the area and promote better adhesion of the wafer. Skin barrier wipes or sprays deposit a thin, protective film on the skin, shielding it from potential irritation from the adhesive and the corrosive waste.
Adhesive remover sprays or wipes are used to gently dissolve the bond between the barrier and the skin during changes, preventing trauma to the skin layer. Support belts or external adhesive strips provide mechanical reinforcement, helping to keep the pouching system firmly in place against the body, especially during physical activity. Liquid deodorizers or drops can be placed inside the collection pouch to chemically neutralize odors before the pouch is emptied.
Practical Application and Daily Management
Managing ostomy supplies involves a routine of both regular emptying and scheduled system changes. Drainable pouches are emptied several times a day when they are approximately one-third full to prevent the weight of the contents from pulling the barrier away from the skin. The frequency of a complete system change varies but is recommended every three to seven days to maintain skin health and a secure seal.
Proper application begins with measuring the stoma to ensure the opening of the skin barrier is cut, allowing a snug fit that prevents waste from touching the skin. The peristomal skin should be cleaned gently with water and dried completely before the new adhesive barrier is applied, as soap residues or moisture can interfere with the seal. Holding the new barrier against the skin with a warm hand for a few minutes helps to activate the adhesive for a stronger, more reliable bond.
Proper storage of backup supplies involves keeping them in a cool, dry place away from extreme temperatures to preserve the integrity of the adhesives. When disposing of a used pouch, it should be sealed in a plastic bag and placed in the trash.