A Comprehensive Guide to the Different Types of Stoma Bags
Living with a stoma can be a life-changing experience, but it doesn’t need to be life limiting, and one of the most significant aspects of this new journey is understanding the different types of stoma bags available. Whether you’re new to the world of stoma care or seeking more information, this guide will help you navigate the options and choose the best stoma bag for your lifestyle and needs.
What is a Stoma Bag?
A stoma bag, also called an ostomy bag or pouch, is a medical appliance designed to collect waste from the body after a surgical procedure that diverts waste away from the intestines. This procedure, often required after certain types of bowel surgeries, involves creating an opening in the abdomen (a stoma) to which the bag is attached.
All bags have a waterproof internal layer and the majority have a beige coloured fabric-like layer on top, with “viewing” windows to be able to view inside if needed. Clear bags are available if you don’t want the colour layer and some companies also offer stone, black or white coloured options.
There are several different types of ostomy bags from colostomy to ileostomy and in this post, we will dive into the different types of stoma bags available and how each functions.
1. Colostomy Bags
A colostomy is when a portion of the large intestine (colon) is brought through the abdominal wall. Colostomy bags are designed to collect more formed stool that exits the stoma.
- One-Piece vs. Two-Piece Colostomy Bags: Colostomy bags come in two main systems.
- One-piece systems: The adhesive base plate and the bag are fused together, meaning that the entire appliance must be removed and replaced with a new one during bag changes.
- Two-piece systems: The adhesive base plate and the bag are separate. You can replace the bag without removing the base plate from the skin every bag change, which may offer more convenience and be gentler on the skin. The base plate still needs to be changed, but not every time.
- Closed-end bags are sealed and must be removed and discarded when full. These are often preferred for short-term wear or during activities like swimming.
2. Ileostomy Bags
An ileostomy involves diverting the small intestine (ileum) to the surface of the abdomen. Since stool from an ileostomy tends to be more liquid, ileostomy bags are built with a few key differences:
- Soft, Flexible Pouches: These bags often need to accommodate larger volumes of output, which can be liquid or semi-solid. To prevent leakage, they are designed to be durable, flexible, and comfortable to wear for extended periods.
- High Output Pouches: For some patients with high-volume stomas, there are specific high-output ileostomy bags with larger capacities to handle increased flow. These are often equipped with stronger, more secure closures to prevent leakage.
3. One-Piece vs. Two-Piece Stoma Bags (in similarity to the Colostomy bags)
- One-Piece Bags: In a one-piece system, the bag and the adhesive base are a single unit. This type of stoma bag is quick to apply, making it a popular choice for those seeking simplicity and a lower-profile system. However, the entire unit needs to be removed and replaced for each change.
- Two-Piece Bags: A two-piece system separates the adhesive wafer (baseplate) from the bag itself. You can leave the wafer attached to your skin for several days, changing only the bag as needed. This reduces skin irritation caused by frequent removal of adhesive. It also offers greater flexibility for users who want to switch between different types of bags (e.g., a smaller bag for physical activities or a larger one for overnight use).
4. Convex vs. Flat Stoma Bags (available for Colostomy bags too)
- Convex Bags: A convex stoma bag has a curved adhesive baseplate designed to press gently against the skin, which can help with stomas that are recessed or flush with the skin. The convex shape helps the stoma protrude more, improving the flow of waste into the bag and reducing leaks.
- Flat Bags: These are more commonly used when the stoma protrudes naturally, and the skin around the stoma is flat and healthy.
- Concave Bags: Some, but not many, companies offer a concave bag to adhere to the skin better when there is the presence of a hernia.
Available brands at OUH
There are many companies that offer different types of stoma bags and accessories, the brand or type of bag you use is completely down to your own preference. The stoma nurses at Oxford University Hospitals will help guide you and offer different options from multiple companies, depending on what type of stoma you have and what you are most comfortable with.
The brands available at Oxford University Hospitals Foundation Trust (details are correct at time of publishing, Autumn 2024) are listed below, with the most popular products being from Salts and Coloplast:
A family run company based in Birmingham that sponsors the colorectal stoma nurse service. The company produces all traditional style stoma bags, as well as the modern, popular “Confidence BE” range, available in white, black and stone. Salts also has its own dedicated home delivery service.
Coloplast produces all types of traditional stoma bags and the modern “Sensura Mio” range, including stone and black colours and concave baseplate.
Other brands available include:
Hollister Incorporated is an independent, employee-owned company that develops, manufactures, and markets healthcare products and services worldwide.
Convatec promises to give patients and healthcare providers the support they need as the company brings to life its vision of pioneering trusted medical solutions to improve the lives it touches.
A UK-based leading manufacturer and distributor of innovative healthcare products in stoma care, urology, continence and wound care.
Dansac has been providing innovative solutions for people with a stoma, clinicians, and caregivers for more than five decades
Oakmed was first formed in 1998 from a group of companies with an extensive history of working within the healthcare industry, particularly within stoma and wound care.
Pelican is a leading manufacturer of disposable medical products for the UK healthcare market.
Peak Medical is proud to be one of the small number of independent suppliers of products and services for people living with a stoma or continence conditions.
Final Thoughts
Living with a stoma can be challenging, but the variety of stoma bags available today offers solutions that cater to individual needs, lifestyle preferences, and medical conditions to limit the impact on your day to day life. By understanding the different types of stoma bags and their features, you can make informed choices to enhance your comfort and quality of life.