Different Colostomies and Pouching Systems

Three types of colostomies exist ileal, urostomy, and double-ended. The type depends on the part of the intestine being used for creating the opening in the body. The pouching system typically comes in one or two-piece systems. 

Colostomy Urostomy Anterior: Urostomy or anterior stoma with a loop ileal conduit (IC) This is an opening that has been brought through the abdomen wall near the belly button. A bag attaches to it and can be emptied as needed. A loop of the small intestine is used for the stoma, unlike other types of colostomies.

Colostomy Urostomy Proximal: Urostomy or proximal stoma with a loop ileal conduit (IC) This type of urostomy is similar to the anterior urostomy, except that the opening is closer to the back of the body. A bag attaches to it and can be emptied as needed. A loop of the small intestine is used for the stoma, unlike other types of colostomies.

Colostomy Double-ended: Colostomy with continent ileal reservoir (CIR) This is an opening that has been brought through the abdomen wall. A bag attaches to it and can be emptied as needed. A small reservoir called a “Kock pouch” lies over the stoma and collects stool, which can be drained manually by the patient or emptied by a caregiver at intervals. The reservoir is an alternative to disposable bags and can be worn for long periods of time. The small intestine is used for the stoma, unlike other types of colostomies.

Temporary Colostomy Anterior: Colostomy with a mucous fistula (MF) This is an opening that has been brought through the abdomen wall. It collects stool in a disposable bag, but unlike other types of colostomies, this type does not have a stoma. Instead, it has a thin tube or “fistula” which brings stool out through the skin. A small opening in the abdomen allows the patient to manually empty the stoma as needed.

Ileal: An ileal (end) colostomy is created by taking usually 20-50 cm of the small intestines and creating a new rectum and anus. The end of the intestine would be brought to the surface of the abdomen and stitched into place. A stoma will form and will produce stool normally for the most part. The average pouch holds about 350 ml (12 oz). Often, a small external bag is worn over the stoma to help contain and protect it and to give it added protection against accidental injury.

Which Colostomy is Best For You

All types of colostomies have advantages and disadvantages. In general, the type of stoma a patient has is determined based on the location of the tumor in relation to the colon, which dictates which organs can be safely retained or removed.

One-piece appliances are easier to use but tend to cost more because they require a specialist to assemble the pouch and connectors during surgery.

Two-piece appliances are less expensive but require more daily maintenance, such as cleaning the skin around the stoma. Two-piece appliances also make it easier for people to return to their normal lives after colostomy because they can be disconnected at night or when on vacation. However, two-piece appliances tend to leak more often.

All You Need To Know About Ostomy Paste

Thousands of Americans live with an ostomy, a lifesaving surgical procedure that enables the body waste to empty via an opening in the abdomen and into an ostomy pouch. Surviving with a stoma can trigger feelings of devastating physical and emotional change. When surviving with a stoma its advisable to have an ostomy paste. Ostomy paste is not a paste completely but the consistency of paste but applied more like caulk but not as a glue or adhesive. The caulk is applied to fill in patchy skin contours to help build an even surface.

An even surface is always preferable to enable the ostomy wafer to stick better in case it is entirely even touching your abdomen. In case of any gaps between the wafer and your skin this will hinder the steadiness of the ostomy wafer. The presence of gaps can cause the ostomy wafer to be dislodged entirely or lead to leaking. Therefore ostomy pastes help to upsurge the wear time of your ostomy system and care for your skin from the stoma output.

 Commonly Used Brands of Ostomy Paste

Convatec Stomahesive Paste

This is among the popularly used ostomy paste. Its mostly recommended by most people for its consistency and its aluminum tube making it easier to get all of the paste out of the tube.

Hollister Adapt Skin Barrier Paste

It consists of low alcohol levels, which make the ostomy paste a good choice. Users enjoy the less stingless, and it is easier to carry around as it comes in a convenient travel size tube.

Montreal Ostomy No Sting Ostomy Paste

This type of ostomy contains no alcohol content and is an excellent choice for broken skin as no sting or burn can be experienced.

Coloplast Brava Sting Free Paste

It’s an alcohol-free ostomy paste that contains a fresh soap-like scent. Also, the ostomy paste has resistance capabilities against breaking down and dissolving.

Helpful Guidelines To Apply While Using Ostomy Paste

• Ensure to clean the skin near your stoma properly for the paste to work effectively

• Avoid soaps that leave a residue as they can interfere with adhesion

• Always confirm your skin is dehydrated as up-to-date ostomy products do not stick to wet skin

• You can apply your ostomy paste on the wafer or directly on the skin

• Preferably using ostomy paste is an affordable choice compared to barrier rings and seals

• Ostomy paste is untidier compared to barrier rings and seals.

Ostomy Paste Procedures

When applying the paste to the wafer to cover the gap between the stoma and wafer, ensure to squeeze the paste tube. As you do this, make sure you trail the small circle in the middle of the wafer until you form a ring with your paste. If you need a smooth appearance, you can do it with your fingers. Then apply the ostomy paste on the same side of the wafer that goes against your abdomen.

Once you confirm the paste is in place, allow it to set up for a few minutes to enable the paste to be steady once you apply the wafer to the stoma. Grip the wafer against your side for about 3o seconds to allow the adhesive to seal effectively. If you are suffering from dips or scars around your stoma, your wafer cant completely against your abdomen them ostomy paste is your great solution.