A colostomy bag is a medical device for a person with a stoma

After abdominal surgery, namely after bowel resection, some patients are given a stoma - a special opening in the abdominal wall that allows waste products to be removed from the body.

To make this process hygienic, comfortable and safe, colostomy bags are used - special medical devices designed to collect feces.

What is a stoma?

Patients who undergo surgery to remove a tumor or have another reason for bowel resection hear many new unfamiliar terms. Therefore, some of them need to be explained. As a result of the surgery, doctors create a new intestinal passage that will redirect the colon from its natural path to the anus to a new opening in the anterior abdominal wall. This intestinal passage is called a stoma.

After the stoma surgery, feces are excreted through the stoma. It can be temporary or permanent, depending on the patient's condition and the type of surgery.

• A colostomy is a stoma created from the colon. It may be necessary after removal of part of the colon, with rectal cancer, severe injuries, or Crohn's disease. Feces from a colostomy usually have a formed or semi-formed consistency.
• An ileostomy is formed from the ileum (small intestine) and is excreted when the colon is removed or does not function. The contents of an ileostomy have a liquid or pasty consistency and are removed continuously.

All types of stomas require the use of special products - ostomy bags, which ensure the collection of contents and the patient's comfort in everyday life.

Why do you need an ostomy bag?

Patients with a stoma should remove feces comfortably and almost unnoticeably to strangers. This is exactly what an ostomy bag was created for.

A ostomy bag is a sealed bag that is attached to the skin around the stoma and collects feces. Main functions:

• prevents contamination of clothes, body, bed linen;
• provides dryness and self-confidence;
• reduces the risk of irritation and infections around the stoma;
• allows patients to lead an active life even after surgery.

A special bandage with a hole for the stoma has also been developed for patients after bowel resection. It does not squeeze the ostomy bag and allows you to safely use it even when walking, running and leading an active lifestyle.

Life with an ostomy bag is not as scary as it might seem at first glance. By following the recommendations of doctors, you can adapt to new living conditions and make this physiological process invisible to other people.

Types of ostomy bags

There are different types of ostomy bags that are selected individually depending on the type of stoma, the consistency of the contents and the patient's lifestyle.

1. Open-type ostomy bag

These are bags with an opening at the bottom that is closed with a special fastener or clamp. They do not need to be removed for emptying - just open the bottom and remove the contents. This is the best option for patients with an ileostomy or loose stools. Also, such an open-type ostomy bag is convenient for frequent emptying.

2. Closed-type ostomy bag

These are sealed bags that are filled and completely removed and disposed of. They are ideal for patients with formed stool, for example, with a colostomy, when stool is released less often.

3. Reusable ostomy bags

Such products are made of durable materials that allow repeated use. They can be emptied, washed, disinfected and reused. If you are looking for an option that will save money, it is worth buying a reusable ostomy bag - it is environmentally friendly and economical.

How to care for an ostomy bag?

Proper care of the ostomy bag and the skin around the stoma - the key to a comfortable life with this device. Here are some basic recommendations that you should follow:

• Regularly clean the skin around the stoma with soft water without soap. Avoid aggressive products that irritate the skin.
• Remember to replace the products regularly: a closed-type ostomy bag should be changed after each filling with feces. Open models can be emptied and replaced as needed.
• Monitor the skin around the stoma. If redness, irritation or rash appears, consult a doctor.
• If you lead an active lifestyle, we recommend using a special ostomy bandage for additional fixation and support of the abdomen.

After surgery to remove the stoma, the abdominal wall requires additional protection. In this case, additional support for the abdominal muscles and fixation of the colostomy bag is necessary, as well as reducing the risk of postoperative hernia and ensuring comfort during physical activity. All these functions are performed by abdominal bandage, which can be purchased in our online store MED1.

Where to buy an ostomy bag?

If you or your loved ones have undergone a stoma surgery and you need high-quality medical products to create a comfortable lifestyle, give preference to high-quality and certified ostomy bags that will help you feel confident and adapt to new conditions.

When choosing ostomy bags, you should pay attention to the type of stoma that the patient has, the frequency of bowel movements and choose exactly the type of ostomy bag that will be best for you. To do this, you need to follow the doctor's recommendations.

On our website of the online store MED1 you will find high-quality medical products tested by us and our customers, because we choose only the best suppliers. Thanks to special contracts, we offer affordable prices for medical products, so you can buy an ostomy bag profitably, and we also provide fast delivery of the order throughout Ukraine.

Life with a stoma does not mean restrictions. Modern ostomy bags allow you to maintain quality of life, activity and self-confidence. Therefore, a properly selected ostomy bag, regular skin care and the use of supportive products will help you return to your usual rhythm of life without unnecessary discomfort.