Drainable Stoma Bags
Drainable Stoma bags are worn by those with a more fluid output - generally of a porridge-like consistency - i.e. ileostomates and some colostomates, (in the latter case, those who have had surgery carried out higher up the large bowel). The waste, which is of around 400-800 ml per day, is emptied several times per day through an outlet at the bottom of the bag.
One piece and two piece drainable bags
One piece drainable stoma bags, such as FreeStyle Vie Drainable are the most commonly used in the UK and comprise an adhesive (flange) which is attached to a bag with an outlet. The flange, which is made of natural materials, keeps the bag secure but is also gentle on the skin. With two piece systems, such as FreeStyle 2 Piece Drainable, the flange is separate from the bag and they are secured together by a coupling mechanism. This allows for the bag to be changed whilst the flange can stay on the body for 2-3 days.
Flanges to suit your stoma
Flanges can vary in shape depending on how your stoma is situated on your body. When the stoma protrudes evenly from the body surface usually bags with flat flanges, such as FreeStyle Vie Drainable, will be worn. Sometimes the stoma will sit in a dip or crease or in a slight recess and a bag with a 3 dimensional flexible flange, such as FreeStyle Curvex Drainable, can be ideal. FreeStyle Curvex Drainable gently moulds into the body’s shape to provide additional security and, as the flange can be inverted, it can also be useful for herniated stomas. When the stoma lies flush to the skin or is in a deep recess a bag with a convex flange, such as FreeStyle Convex Drainable, may be needed. Additional adhesion can be provided for any of these stoma types in the form of HydroFrame.
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