What Is an Ostomy Bag?

Medically reviewed by Scott Sundick, MD

An ostomy bag is a collection system attached to a person to catch stool or urine. This bag is attached after an ostomy surgery, which creates an opening—called a stoma—between the inside of the body to the outside.

This article will discuss types of ostomy bags, whether they are permanent, and how to care for one.

How Does an Ostomy Bag Work?

An ostomy bag is a plastic pouch that collects either urine or stool. When someone has a colostomy (an opening between the colon and abdomen) or ileostomy, (an opening between the ileum and abdomen) the bag collects stool.

If someone has a urostomy (an opening between the bladder and abdomen), the bag collects urine.

The ostomy bag has a donut-hole opening. Around the opening is an adhesive that attaches to the skin surrounding the stoma. The bottom of the bag can have an opening that is closed except when the user needs to empty the bag.

The whole system allows urine or stool to collect naturally in the bag. The user does not need to do anything to force the contents into the bag. The ostomy bag is odor-resistant and sealed tight to prevent leaks.

Types of Ostomy Bags

There are several types of ostomy bags that can collect urine or stool. They can be broken down into two categories:

• One-piece pouches: These consist of a bag and skin barrier adhesive integrated as a single unit. When the pouch is removed, the barrier also comes off.

• Two-piece pouches: These consist of a bag and a separate adhesive barrier attached to the skin. This allows the pouch to be detached, emptied, cleaned, and reattached to the skin barrier.

Certain colostomy and ileostomy bags have an opening at the bottom for easy emptying. There are also urostomy bags with valves that allow you to drain urine.

Ostomy bags that do not have an opening or valve must be taken off to empty.

An ostomy bag may be disposable or reusable. They come in several sizes and lengths and are made from materials to prevent odor.

Night Drainage System

There are also bags designed for people with a urostomy that allow them to sleep at night uninterrupted. The night drainage system involves a tube attached to a valve on the bottom of the bag that drains into a separate bedside container.

This prevents the urostomy bag from getting too heavy and pulling away from the body. It also protects the stoma and skin from excessive exposure to urine.

Living With an Ostomy Bag

An ostomy bag will take a while to get used to, but those with one can continue the same jobs and activities and live a very normal life. With some good planning, no one will know that a person has an ostomy bag.

Clothing

A person with an ostomy bag can wear whatever they would like. Some people find that wearing an elastic-fitted garment over their pouch hides the pouch and compresses it evenly, so there are no lumps or bumps.

Food and Drink

After ostomy surgery, a person may be asked to follow a low-residue diet for four to six weeks. After that time, if a specific diet was recommended based on a previous medical condition, that diet will most likely remain the same.

Exercise

For many physical activities, an ostomy bag will not create any changes. Even swimming is allowed with an ostomy bag. Pool, fresh, and saltwater are all permitted. The ostomy bag is waterproof and should not leak into the water. Some swimsuits can conceal the ostomy bag if the wearer prefers that.

Learn More: Ostomy Tips and Tricks

Are Ostomy Bags Permanent?

An ostomy bag can be a temporary or permanent part of someone's life. It will depend upon why the person needed an ostomy bag and their health conditions. This includes:

• A temporary ostomy bag is used when intestinal problems can benefit from allowing the intestine to rest. The ostomy bag allows the intestine to stay empty and heal. This could be for a few weeks, months, or years. Eventually, the ostomy is reversed when the intestine has healed, and the intestine will function normally.

• A permanent ostomy bag is used when a disease or condition permanently damages the intestine or rectum. The affected intestine is removed, and the ostomy bag will need to be permanent.

Summary

An ostomy bag is a collection pouch used to catch urine or stool. It is used for people who have a health condition that affects their body in a way that the digestive system needs to rest.

Ostomy bags come in many different sizes, shapes, and various features. If an ostomy bag is new to someone, they should contact a healthcare provider specializing in ostomy care to ensure they find the right ostomy bag for their situation.