Colostomy bags are gadgets that collect a patient's stool from the digestive system. All that is done via an opening made in the abdomen through a surgery called a stoma. Usually, after surgery, the hospital gives the patients the first colostomy bag. The patients may decide to continue with that treatment or explore another treatment option. After leaving the hospital, the patients sometimes encounter problems when choosing the colostomy bags at first. They should consult ostomy nurses on the best choice that is suitable for them. Understanding the terms A colostomy is described as a procedure for the externalization of a small part of the large intestines. It is done in the anterior part of the patient's abdomen. The part of the colostomy bag that is involved in collecting waste is called a pouch or a bag. The part which sticks to the patients' body is referred to as a flange or faceplate. The system used is called the pouching system. It can be a one-piece or a two-piece. The pouches can come as drainable pouches or closed-ended, which now come with filters to prevent odor from escaping. The pouches come in various sizes and materials, depending on the patient's needs. The general time for having a bag on is four days. It helps keep patients from irritation and infections. What choices do you have? Because of producing more waste, colostomy patients prefer closed colostomy bags. Others may prefer charcoal filters because they filter odor as they release gases. Patients involved in irrigation tend to go for stoma cups because they are more convenient for movement. What should you consider when using colostomy bags? For new users, they should consider advice from nurses for the colostomy bags which best suit them. For the one-piece systems, there is a need to change the entire system, but the wafer has to be changed for the two-piece systems. The bags need to be changed if there happens to be any pain or itching. For any recent surgeries, the bag needs to be changed every two days. There need to be additional changes to the bag when and if the patient has a fever to avoid deforming it. Advantages of two-piece systems • Allows gas to escape, which is better than filters that dampen when used. • Patients can change to bigger bags without replacing the entire system. • They have floating flanges which help patients with impaired hands. Disadvantages of two-piece systems • They are bulk and visible under clothing. • For it to match, it may need additional appliances. • Convex models are rigid, making them hard to cope. Advantages of one-piece systems • They require fewer components to match. • They are lighter and flexible. • They are available in soft convex models. Disadvantages of one-piece systems • They do not emit gas. • The close-ended versions are disposable, making them expensive. Stoma and colostomy care considerations All patients with stomas or colostomy bags need to be educated about how to take care of themselves. It aids in giving them more courage to manage and change the poaches to avoid some problems. It also helps patients avoid being dehydrated. Most of the peristomal skin conditions can always be avoided. That can be done by excellent pouching system care as well as good skincare. A WOC nurse or experienced physicians can treat many of the skin conditions caused by either using the poaching system or other conditions. Experts who design stomas should be able to solve problems that their patients may experience. It is also essential for nurses to follow up with new stoma users to educate them on how to use them properly. It also helps identify and treat skin conditions early before they get serious.
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