If you have a colostomy bag, it will take time to master how to replace it. The nurse will give instructions on the correct procedure to replace the colostomy bag. With time and practice, you will be able to replace these bags without any problems.
Step
Part 1 of 2: Replacing the Colostomy Bag
We recommend that the replacement is done in the bathroom.
Step 1. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water
If that's not possible, use an antibacterial hand sanitizer. Place a clean cloth under the bag to protect the clothes. Good hygiene is very important when changing a colostomy bag.
Step 2. Gently remove the pouch
Hold the skin with one hand, and gently remove the pouch using the built-in label for convenience.
Step 3. Examine the skin
The skin of the stoma may be slightly pink or red in color. However, if they are black, purple, or blue, or if they look alarming, call a nurse or see a doctor for professional advice. In addition, check the stoma in general; The stoma should always be deep red, never black or dark. If it changes in size, or goes deeper into or out of the skin, oozes pus or blood, or appears pale or bluish, call a nurse or doctor immediately.
Step 4. Clean the stoma
Use warm water and a dry cloth with a mild soap to gently wipe around the stoma. Don't rub. Only use soap that does not contain oil or fragrance. Pat the cloth until the skin dries.
- If necessary, use a measuring card (given by a nurse or doctor) to determine the size of the stoma. You will need to know the size of the stoma before installing a new colostomy bag.
- Also, be sure to wash your hands one more time before installing a new bag. This step ensures that the new bag is completely hygienic to ensure it is not contaminated with old faeces.
Step 5. Use a skin barrier, such as stoma powder
This material not only protects the skin, but also provides a good base for attaching the new colostomy bag. Sprinkle new stoma powder around the stoma. Be careful not to sprinkle powder on the stoma itself. Dab carefully with a dry cloth, and allow the area to dry for 60 seconds.
Step 6. Prepare the new pouch
The stoma bag wafer needs to be adjusted so that it adheres well to the stoma. If so, use special scissors to cut circles on the wafers.
- The circle should be 0.3 cm larger than the stoma itself. Some wafers have a user guide to help you.
- Cut the wafers to fit the stoma.
- This process takes a long time to master. The nurse can answer your questions or solve problems and/or determine whether the client should be visited in person or the problem can be resolved only by telephone consultation.
Step 7. Place the wafer on the stoma
Begin pressing the flange (ring) under the stoma, and gently move it sideways, then up. After gluing, start smoothing the flanges to get rid of creases. This will help form a tight seal around the stoma.
- Start in the middle (near the stoma) and then work your way towards the outer periphery. All folds must be smoothed out; otherwise the colostomy bag may leak.
- When replacing wafers, you need to use stoma paste.
- Hold the flange for 45 seconds. The warm temperature of the hands will help the adhesive adhere to the skin.
Part 2 of 2: Assisting Procedure
Step 1. Know when to change the colostomy bag
The frequency with which the colostomy bag is replaced is highly dependent on the patient and the type of bag used. For patients wearing one-piece pouches, the entire colostomy bag will need to be changed each time. In contrast, for patients using two-piece pouches, the pouch itself can be changed as often as desired, while the wafers only need to be changed every 2-3 days.
- Never replace pouches and accessories for longer than 7 days.
- Please understand that this article is only a guide. Always follow the doctor's or nurse's specific instructions on how to replace the colostomy bag.
Step 2. Prepare the right equipment
Make sure you have enough supplies of equipment so that you don't run out of time when changing the colostomy bag
Step 3. Take off the clothes and collect the gear
It is advisable to remove the clothes so as not to interfere with changing the colostomy bag. Before starting, make sure all equipment is within easy reach. Usually, you need to prepare:
- New bag
- Clean towels
- Small trash bag
- Skin wipes or cleaning kit
- Scissors
- Measuring cards and pens
- Skin protector like stoma powder
- Adhesive material, usually stoma paste
- New wafers, if needed
Tips
- Often, the size of the stoma can be pre-cut so as not to waste time measuring during bag removal and replacement.
- The two-piece system allows the bag to be changed frequently, but the base plate only needs to be changed 1-2 times a week although you can change the colostomy bag whenever needed, most colostomy patients replace it after a bowel movement.
