No matter what type of ostomy you have, all the output from the stoma must be collected in a secure and convenient way. That’s where your ostomy bag comes in. These are designed to adhere to the skin on your abdomen around your stoma and collect the output.
The design of your ostomy bag will depend on whether you have a colostomy, ileostomy or urostomy. Your Stomal Therapy Nurse or health care professional will show you which one is right for you, but the overwhelming majority of ostomy bags are secure and discreet. Nobody should know you’re wearing one unless you decide to tell them.
Ostomy bag for a urostomy
After a urostomy operation, urine will come out through a stoma instead of the urethra. Unlike the bladder, the stoma has no muscle to control the release of urine. That is why it is necessary to wear an appliance such as an ostomy.
Ostomy bag for an ileostomy or colostomy
After an ileostomy or colostomy operation, faeces will come out through the stoma instead of the anus. Unlike the anus, the stoma has no muscle to control the release of faeces or wind. That is why it is necessary to wear an appliance such as an ostomy bag.
