Either you had a colectomy or caring for one, here is how you will change your colostomy or ileostomy bag. There are tips you can follow for wound care of your stoma. Just follow these steps, and you will do a great job.
Changing a Colostomy or Ileostomy Bag
- Make sure that all your stoma supplies are immediately at hand. It might include your fresh bag, a bag to dispose of your used supplies in, any wipes you may need, and a medical adhesive remover.
2. Wash your hands thoroughly. You can use an antibacterial hand cleanser if you are not near running water.
3. Gently and slowly ease the colostomy bag off by supporting the skin with one hand. Use a medical adhesive remover to help get the flange easily and gently.
4. Empty the pouch by cutting off the bottom of the pouch and rinse it under the flush of the lavatory. Place it with any used wipes and supplies into the disposable bag. You can wrap your used, emptied colostomy bag in a newspaper and put it in an ordinary biodegradable bag. These bags are designed to be used once. Some services offer
stoma bag deliveries and take care of their disposal. You can also choose to put the stoma bag directly into a waste bin if you do not want to empty the used pouch.
Stoma Area Cleaning and Caring Tips
- Use plain warm water and dry wipes to clean the area around the stoma. Make sure not to rub the area.
- Thoroughly dry the skin with a new dry wipe. Make sure to pat gently.
- Place used wipes and any used wound care products with the used pouch.
4. Thoroughly wash your hands.
Final Thoughts
Coloplast develops products and services that will make life easier for patients with personal and private medical conditions. They work closely with the people who use their products to create solutions that are sensitive to their needs. Their business includes ostomy care, urology and continence care, and wound and skin care.
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