Permanent Colostomy Bag

Q: What is a permanent colostomy bag?
A permanent colostomy bag is a device used to collect intestinal excrement after part of the colon is removed due to disease or surgery.

Q: Which diseases require a permanent colostomy bag?
For serious intestinal diseases such as rectal cancer, ulcerative colitis, and familial polyposis, a permanent colostomy bag is needed when a colon resection is performed and intestinal reconstruction cannot be performed to restore normal defecation.

Q: What are the steps to replace a permanent colostomy bag?
First, prepare a new permanent colostomy bag and related cleaning supplies. Gently peel off the old stoma bag and clean the stoma and surrounding skin with warm water and a soft towel. Be gentle and avoid damage. Observe whether the stoma has any abnormalities, such as redness, swelling, bleeding, etc. After the skin is dry, measure the size of the stoma, cut the appropriate bottom plate, align the bottom plate with the stoma, stick it and press it firmly, and finally install the collection bag.

Q: How to prevent leakage from the permanent colostomy bag bottom plate?
Make sure that the skin is clean and dry, free of grease and hair before sticking the chassis of the permanent colostomy bag. Choose a chassis of the right size, avoid being too large or too small. When sticking, press evenly from the center of the chassis to the surroundings to expel air. If the skin is wrinkled or uneven, you can use anti-leakage cream or anti-leakage strips to fill it. In addition, avoid excessive bending, lifting heavy objects and other actions that increase abdominal pressure to prevent excrement from breaking through the chassis seal due to excessive pressure.

Q: Can I exercise while wearing a permanent colostomy bag?

You can exercise appropriately, but avoid intense and physically confrontational exercise. Walking, jogging, yoga and other exercises help promote blood circulation and intestinal peristalsis, which are good for the body. When exercising, pay attention to fixing the permanent colostomy bag to prevent it from shaking or falling off. For example, when jogging, you can use a special ostomy bag belt and fix it to your waist to avoid vibration and friction caused by exercise that affect the use of the ostomy bag.

Q: Can I swim while wearing a permanent colostomy bag?
If the stoma heals well and a special waterproof permanent colostomy bag is used, you can swim. Before swimming, make sure the stoma bag is firmly attached and use waterproof tape to seal the edges. The swimming time should not be too long to avoid long-term soaking of the chassis in water to affect the stickiness. Check the stoma bag in time after swimming. If there is leakage or looseness, replace it in time to prevent the skin from being exposed to a humid environment for a long time and causing problems.

Q: Will the permanent colostomy bag cause skin problems?
It may. Since the chassis is in contact with the skin for a long time, if the excrement leaks and irritates the skin, or the chassis material is allergic, it may cause redness, itching, rash or even damage to the skin. To prevent skin problems, keep the skin clean and dry, choose and use the stoma bag correctly, and replace the chassis in time. If there are minor skin problems, you can apply some ointment to protect the skin. If it is serious, you need to seek medical treatment.

Q: Can I take a shower while wearing a permanent colostomy bag?
You can take a shower, but you must pay attention to the method. You can take a shower and avoid a tub bath to prevent water from entering the permanent colostomy bag. Before taking a shower, make sure the base is firmly attached. You can use waterproof tape on the edge of the base to strengthen protection. Do not rub the skin around the stoma hard when taking a shower. After washing, dry your body and check whether the base is loose or leaking. If there is a problem, replace the base and stoma bag in time.

Q: Can I take a plane while wearing a permanent colostomy bag?
Yes, you can take a plane. However, during security check, you need to explain the situation to the staff and show relevant medical certificates or instructions for using the stoma bag. During the flight, due to changes in air pressure, the permanent colostomy bag may swell slightly, which is normal. You can empty the stoma bag in advance or choose a style with exhaust function, and pay attention to the condition of the stoma bag during the flight. If you feel uncomfortable, inform the crew in time.

Q: How to store a permanent colostomy bag?
The permanent colostomy bag should be stored in a dry, cool, ventilated place, away from direct sunlight and high temperature and humidity environment to prevent aging or deformation of the stoma bag material. Unused stoma bags should be kept sealed to prevent dust and bacterial contamination.