How the stoma works

When the bowel moves, wind and waste matter come out through the stoma. You cannot control when this happens, so a small bag is worn on the outside of the body to collect the waste matter. This is called a stoma bag or an appliance. Stoma bags have adhesive on the back so they stick securely to the skin and provide a leak-proof, odour-proof system. A filter lets out any wind (but not the odour), which should stop the wind inflating the bag. If your bag keeps filling up with air, ask your stomal therapy nurse if there are things you can do to prevent this.

Attaching the bag

A stomal therapy nurse will help you choose a bag that suits your body shape and the stoma, and will explain how to attach it securely.

Emptying the bag

Stoma bags can be drainable (able to be emptied) or closed (thrown out after each bowel movement). After a colostomy, you may be able to wear a drainable or closed bag, depending on the consistency of your waste matter. After an ileostomy, you wear a drainable bag.

How often you need to empty or change a stoma bag is affected by what you eat and drink.

• Closed bags may need changing 1–3 times a day. They should be put in a rubbish bin, not flushed down the toilet.
• Drainable bags have to be emptied in the toilet when about one-third full, and replaced every couple of days. A colostomy bag may need emptying 1–3 times a day. An ileostomy bag may need emptying 4–6 times a day because the waste is more watery.

→ READ MORE: Living with a stoma