What to expect after ostomy surgery
Adjusting to post-surgery life as an ostomate means getting thrown into the often overwhelming world of ostomy supplies.
Being prepared with the right supplies will not only help your post-ostomy surgery recovery but can also improve your comfort and quality of life. There are many types of ostomy, but no matter if you’ve had a colostomy, urostomy, or ileostomy, the same basic supplies apply. In this article, we’ll provide the complete list of essential ostomy supplies so you know what you will need as you adjust to your new way of life.
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Ostomy Pouches/Ostomy bags
The most crucial item for ostomy care is an ostomy pouch, also known as an ostomy bag. There are two basic types of ostomy appliance systems: one-piece and two-piece. A one-piece ostomy pouch is attached directly to the skin barrier (a.k.a wafer) and tends to be better for people with limited eyesight or mobility, who may have difficulty attaching a pouch.
A two-piece pouch can be detached from the ostomy wafer to be emptied, cleaned, or replaced. Two-piece systems allow users to replace their pouches without changing the skin barrier, but they tend to be slightly bulkier and more visible than one-piece pouches (although both types of pouches can easily be worn under your regular clothes).
Ostomy bags can also come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Smaller pouches tend to be more discreet but need to be changed more frequently. Larger pouches don’t require changing as often but can be bulkier and harder to manage for some activities. You can also choose to use a reusable bag (one which you empty once it gets about halfway full) or a disposable bag (one which you discard once it gets about halfway full and replace with a new one).
As you prepare to leave the hospital, check with your healthcare provider about the right type of ostomy bag for your stoma. Your doctor will likely prescribe a specific pouch to meet your needs, likely made by Coloplast, ConvaTec, or Hollister, some of the largest ostomy suppliers. As you adjust to life with an ostomy bag, you can test different types and sizes to find the best fit for your lifestyle and comfort.
Learn how to choose your ostomy supplies
Skin Barriers
Also known as a skin wafer or skin flange, the ostomy skin barrier fits around your stoma to ensure a good seal and skin protection. If you use a two-piece ostomy system, the skin wafer is a separate piece and must be attached to your ostomy bag before you put it on. In one-piece ostomy systems, the skin wafer is part of the pouch.
Skin barriers have adhesive on one side to help them attach securely to your skin and then attach to the pouch on the other side — remember, a good seal is essential and will help you avoid leaks and skin irritation down the line. Like pouches, skin barriers come in a variety of sizes depending on your preferences and the size and shape of your stoma.
Cut-to-fit skin barriers are best for stomas that are still changing shape or have unusual shapes (more common immediately following your surgery as your body is still adapting). As the name implies, cut-to-fit skin wafers can be cut to any size and shape for a totally customized fit. That level of customization and security makes cut-to-fit skin barriers the most common type for ostomates. Designated ostomy scissors such as curved ostomy scissors are highly recommended in your ostomy kit.
Pre-sized skin barriers can be effective for round stomas that are no longer changing shape. These skin wafers come in a variety of sizes to match the size of your stoma opening and offer the convenience of a snug fit as long as you have the right size.
Moldable skin barriers can be shaped to snugly fit around the stoma without being cut. Moldable skin wafers offer strong protection against leaking and can be worn for a long time before being changed.
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Ostomy Supplies to Help Prevent Leaks
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