Ostomy system
A prosthetic device for collecting waste from a stoma.
An ostomy pouching system is a prosthetic medical device that provides a means for the collection of waste from a surgically diverted biological system, such as the colon, ileum, or bladder, and the creation of a stoma. These systems are most commonly associated with colostomies, ileostomies, and urostomies, and typically consist of a collection pouch, a skin barrier, and a connection to the stoma. They are used to maintain independence, allowing wearers to continue an active lifestyle including sports and recreation.
- type
- Medical device
- common uses
- Colostomy, ileostomy, urostomy
- components
- Collection pouch, barrier (flange/wafer/baseplate), stoma connection
- system types
- One-piece and two-piece systems
- pouch types
- Open-end (drainable) and closed-end (disposable)
- barrier materials
- Pectin or similar organic material
Lore & Background
Ostomy pouching systems collect waste output from a stoma, allowing drainage into a sealed pouch while protecting surrounding skin from contamination. The system used varies between individuals, based on medical reason, personal preference, and lifestyle. Barriers, also called flanges, wafers, or baseplates, sit on the skin and separate the pouch from the internal conduit; they are not always present. These barriers are manufactured using pectin or similar organic material and are available in a wide variety of sizes. The internal opening must be correctly sized to accommodate the stoma while protecting the skin from contact with waste. Since the early 2010s, manufacturers have introduced moldable wafers that can be shaped by hand without scissors.
Reader's Guide
Ostomy pouching systems are significant because they enable individuals with surgically diverted biological systems to collect waste and maintain an active lifestyle. The systems consist of a pouch and a barrier, with options for one-piece or two-piece configurations. Pouches can be open-end (drainable) or closed-end (disposable), and some include charcoal filtered vents to allow gas to escape and prevent ballooning. Routine care involves emptying or changing the pouch a couple of times a day, with frequency depending on the ostomy location. People with colostomies of the sigmoid or descending colon may have the option of irrigation, allowing them to wear only a gauze cap. Adjustment to an ostomy system can take time, including psychological adjustment, and may involve social isolation, depression, or changes in sexual function. Online ostomy groups and societies, such as MeetAnOstoMate, provide support and shared experiences.
Did You Know?
- Ostomy pouching systems are used for colostomies, ileostomies, and urostomies.
- Barriers may be pre-cut, customized with scissors, or moldable by hand since the early 2010s.
- Some pouches have charcoal filtered vents to prevent gas ballooning, especially at night.
- People with colostomies of the sigmoid or descending colon may irrigate to avoid wearing a pouch.
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