Colostomy care involves information about how to change, drain or clean the pouching system. You will learn about colostomy care before leaving the hospital.
How to empty the pouch?
First, wash your hands. Wear medical gloves.
You need to empty your pouch every four to six hours a day. It is recommended to empty the pouch when it is 1/3rd filled. Try not to fill the pouch. If your pouch is full it will cause pressure on the seal and it can lead to leakage. There is also the possibility that the pouch may get detach and the bowel content splash out.
First, hold the pouch from one end. Take away the clamps.
Roll the ends of the pouch. This will keep the edges clean.
Spread toilet paper on the toilet seat to avoid splashing. Then empty the bag in the toilet.
Unfold the ends of the bag. Use toilet paper or a moist towel for cleaning the ends.
Place the clamps again and close the end of the pouch.
How to change the colostomy bag?
The changing method depends on the type of your colostomy. The general method is given below:
You can consult your doctor about how many times you need to change the pouch. The kind of the system also decides the period for which you can wear it. Most of the pouch systems remain for3 to 7 days. The other type lasts for 1 to 3 months.
You should wash your hands and put on gloves.
In case of one-piece pouch:
Take off the pouch gently. You should put pressure on your skin downward and pull the skin barrier with the other hand.
Always use warm water for cleaning the stomal skin. You can even use soap. Avoid using soaps with oil. Let your skin dry or pat dries it.
Locate your new pouch over the stoma and press it gently so that it adheres with the cleaned and dried skin. It is advised to put pressure on the pouch for 30 seconds. The heat from your hands will enhance the adhesive skin barrier to fit properly.
You can discard or clean your old pouch. You must keep the pouch in another plastic bag before discarding it. If you are using a reusable pouch you can learn how to clean it and use it again.
You should use products that can reduce skin irritation.
Put off the gloves and wash your hands.
In case of two-piece pouch system:
First of all, remove the facet and the pouch.
Take off the pouch gently. You should put pressure on your skin downward and pull the skin barrier with the other hand.
Always use warm water for cleaning the stomal skin. You can even use soap. Avoid using soaps with oil. Let your skin dry or pat dries it.
Locate your new pouch over the stoma and press it gently so that it adheres with the cleaned and dried skin. It is advised to put pressure on the pouch for 30 seconds. The heat from your hands will enhance the adhesive skin barrier to fit properly.
You can discard or clean your old pouch. You must keep the pouch in another plastic bag before discarding it. If you are using a reusable pouch you can learn how to clean it and use it again.
You should use products that can reduce skin irritation.
How can I take care of my skin?
You should observe your stoma every time you change or empty your pouch. It should appear red and moist. You may observe some blood while cleaning your stoma. This is normal. You will notice that your stoma gets smaller after 8 weeks of the colostomy.
What diet changes are needed?
You should consume the foods that the digestive system cant digest easily for 6 to 8 weeks following the surgery. For instance meat, nuts, seeds, and raw veggies and fruits. You can continue the normal diet after 6 to 8 weeks.
You should avoid eating foods that cause cramps and diarrhea. When you resume these kinds of foods then start with the small amounts.
Lessen the odor and gas. Avoid using any straw for drinking. Eat-in portions and eat slowly. Some foods that cause odor and gas are:
Cabbage
Capsicum
Beans
Eggs
Fish
Some foods that help to reduce odor and gas are:
Parsley
Yogurt
Buttermilk
Drink more liquid. You need to drink extra glasses of water to avoid dehydration. You can consult with your doctor about the exact amount of water you need to drink throughout the day.
What are some risks related to Colostomy?
Stoma retraction: This is a condition when the stoma digs below the skin level. You may observe a retraction right after the surgery if the colon is not working or active. Weight gain can also lead to stomal retraction.
Peristomal hernia: It is a condition when a portion of the large intestine gets entangled and forms a bulge near the stoma. A hernia can be more visible when you sit, cough and lie. Hernia makes it hard to have proper irrigation or seal.
Prolapse: Prolapse is a condition when a portion of the bowel elongates out of the stoma. It may be caused by pressure caused in the abdomen. Surgery can be done to resolve the prolapse.
Stenosis: It is a condition when the stoma narrows down. Your surgeon might stretch the stoma if the stenosis is mild. In case of severe stenosis, the blockage might occur and you may need surgery.
When should I call my doctor?
• If you're experiencing a fever
• If you notice any changes in the size or colour of your stoma,
• You discover pills (medication) in your garbage.
• You have a rash or a red stoma.
• You've had diarrhoea or very loose bowel motions for more than 6 hours.
• You detect a strange odour that lasts longer than a week.
• Your excrement is dark or has blood in it.
• You're experiencing nausea and vomiting.
When should I call the emergency care center:.
• Bleeding from the stoma occurs on a regular basis.
• You are so weak that you can’t even stand on your feet
• You're getting a lot of stomach pains.
• Bowel contents are not flowing out via the stoma.
The Bottom Line
It is your right to have proper treatment and care. You must be aware about your medical health and condition. You should not apply this article in your daily life , it is just a piece of information.
