An ostomy is a surgical procedure that creates an opening, called a stoma, from an internal organ to the outside of the body. This reroutes bodily waste when the digestive or urinary system cannot function typically. This article clarifies the terms “ostomy bag” and “colostomy bag,” explaining the underlying surgical procedures and the functions of their associated collection systems.
Understanding Ostomy Surgery
Ostomy surgery involves creating a stoma, a surgically formed opening on the abdomen. This opening allows waste products, such as stool or urine, to exit the body through an alternative pathway. Ostomy surgery can be temporary, allowing a part of the bowel to heal, or permanent, if a segment of the digestive or urinary system needs to be removed or bypassed.
Types of Ostomies and Their Output
The term “ostomy” encompasses several specific procedures, named for the part of the intestine or urinary tract involved. The type of ostomy influences the consistency and volume of collected waste, affecting the collection pouch.
A colostomy involves bringing a portion of the large intestine (colon) to form a stoma, typically on the left side of the abdomen. The output is generally more formed stool, as water absorption occurs before the stoma. This procedure is often performed due to conditions such as colorectal cancer or diverticulitis.
An ileostomy involves the ileum, the lowest part of the small intestine, usually located on the right side of the abdomen. Since the large intestine is bypassed, the output is typically liquid or semi-liquid. Ileostomies are common for individuals with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.
A urostomy, in contrast, diverts urine away from a diseased or non-functioning bladder, often using a small section of the intestine to create a conduit for urine to exit the body through a stoma. The output from a urostomy is, therefore, liquid urine. Conditions like bladder cancer or bladder dysfunction can necessitate a urostomy.
The Ostomy Pouching System
An ostomy pouching system, often referred to as an “ostomy bag,” is a medical device designed to collect waste from a stoma. This system is comprised of two main components: a skin barrier and a collection pouch.
The skin barrier, also known as a wafer or flange, adheres to the skin around the stoma, protecting it from irritation caused by waste output. It is customized to fit snugly around the stoma, preventing leakage and ensuring a secure seal.
The pouch itself attaches to this skin barrier and collects the diverted bodily waste. These pouches are designed to be odor-proof and are available in various sizes and capacities. Some systems are “one-piece,” where the skin barrier and pouch are combined into a single unit, while “two-piece” systems allow the pouch to be detached and reattached to a separate skin barrier. Pouches can also be drainable, featuring an opening at the bottom for emptying, or closed-end, which are discarded after use.
Colostomy Bags: Specifics and Distinctions
A “colostomy bag” is not a distinct type of hardware but rather an ostomy pouching system specifically used by individuals with a colostomy. The term simply denotes the application of a standard ostomy collection device in the context of a colostomy. The fundamental technology of the pouching system remains consistent across different ostomy types, but variations are optimized for the specific characteristics of the output.
Given that colostomy output is typically more formed, resembling normal stool, individuals with colostomies may utilize either drainable or closed-end pouches. Closed-end pouches are often preferred for more predictable, solid output, as they can be simply removed and discarded when full. This can offer convenience by reducing the need for frequent emptying throughout the day.
Some individuals with colostomies may also manage their bowel movements through colostomy irrigation, a procedure that involves flushing the colon with water through the stoma to encourage a scheduled emptying. This can allow some people to avoid wearing a pouch for periods, covering the stoma with a small cap instead.
In contrast, ileostomy pouches are almost always drainable due to the continuous, liquid to semi-liquid nature of their output, requiring frequent emptying throughout the day. Urostomy pouches are also specialized drainable systems, often featuring anti-reflux valves to prevent urine from flowing back towards the stoma. Therefore, the primary distinction lies in the type of ostomy performed and the nature of the waste, which then guides the selection of the most appropriate ostomy pouching system for effective management.