How does an Ostomy Bag Work

An ostomy is a surgical diversion of either digestive or a urinary system which bypasses the normal elimination and provides means for evacuation of waste product directly through a hole in the skin called a Stoma. Since the waste product get drained involuntarily, it’s necessary to have a means of capturing and storing them. Thus, small bags known as ostomy bags are used to accomplish this process. Keep reading for more info about how does an ostomy bag work.

These bags are used along with other several ostomy supplies. There are Urostomy bags and Colostomy bags; the latter for the urinary tract and the former for the digestive system. Both are attached to the stoma by a flange having an adhesive securing the bag to the skin. Some ostomy bags are two pieces where the flange stay firmly attached to the stoma making the bag detachable while some are one piece having an integral flange.

Types of Colostomy bags

1. Open-end pouch: it is often used in the case where the colostomy watery and high on the colon, and irregular feces get excreted. Hence the bottom side can be opened to allow waste to be drained. 2. Closed-end pouch: this type of colostomy bag is meant to be filled and then discarded. It has a uroscopy bag with a drain used for emptying the urine and can also be one-piece or two pieces.
The ancillary ostomy products are designed with a waterproof tape that seals the flange edges and a drainage system attached to the drain of the urostomy bag allowing the user to sleep undisturbed.

What are the reasons for ostomy?

The doctor can recommend you to have ostomy as an effective way to treat serious stomach problems or help you heal after body surgery. It might also be necessary if certain organs in your body have to be removed or are damaged. Some of these reasons include:
• An infection
• A blocked bowel
• Diverticulitis
• Trauma or an injury to the bladder or bowel
• Rectal, Colorectal, or bladder cancer