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