A stoma bag, also known as a stoma pouch, is made from soft, waterproof material and attaches to the abdomen by way of an adhesive baseplate to collect the output from a stoma.
What is a stoma bag?
How does a stoma bag work?
The part of the stoma bag that attaches to the abdomen is called the flange. It is covered with adhesive on one side and sticks to the skin around the stoma. The flange also has a hole in it that allows the stoma to hang into the bag. Once the bag is attached the output from the stoma will be collected in it. Once the bag is full it can either be emptied or replaced with a fresh bag.
Types of stoma bag
Closed bags
Closed bags are usually worn by ostomates with a colostomy but in some cases those with an ileostomy may use these too although it is uncommon. These bags are used when the output from the stoma is a semi-formed and softer stool.
Drainable bags
Drainable bags are usually used by those with an ileostomy when the output is more liquid and the bag gets full more often. They have an opening at the bottom so the wearer can drain the output without having to change the entire bag.
Urostomy bags
Urostomy bags are used by people who have a urostomy and have a tap at the end of the bag to allow urine to be emptied. Urostomy bags can be connected to a drainage bag so that they don’t have to be emptied as often such as at night when they are sleeping.
Two-Piece bags
Closed, drainable and urostomy bags are all available as two-piece bags. Unlike a one-piece bag, a two-piece bag the flange and bag are separate pieces, so the flange remains attached to the skin while the full bag is removed and changed for an empty one.
Are stoma bags a universal fit?
Every stoma is different so there is no one size fits all stoma bag. However, the hole in the flange of every stoma bag can be cut to different sizes and shapes to make sure it fits the stoma snugly. This can be done using scissors at home or by a home delivery service like SecuriCare so that the stoma bags are ready to be applied as soon as they’re delivered.
Further reading
Find lots of helpful tips for living with a stoma in our resource library
How to choose the right stoma bag
There are a wide variety of stoma bags available, find out which one could work for you.
How to change a stoma bag
Find out how to change a stoma bag and what you’ll need to do so with this step-by-step guide.
Products
Discover products for stoma care including bags and accessories.
Living with a stoma
From diet to relationships find information and advice about living to the fullest with a stoma.