Types of Ostomy Supplies
Ostomy pouches come in two major categories, which are conventional and drainable. While conventional pouches are meant for people with permanent ostomies, drainable pouches can be reused by emptying their contents and are usually worn by patients with ileostomies or colostomies who have frequent stool output.
There are also additional pouching systems, such as double-barrier seals, molded pouches, and skin protection pouches. These provide additional protection, support, and fluid management and offer more options suitable for individual needs and lifestyles.
Ostomy supplies, such as bags, adhesives, and skin protectants, have to be carefully chosen by the supplier and rationally arranged and stocked since the demand is usually high for specific types of products at any time and for particular procedures being done at a hospital at a given time. Suppliers are required to and manage to provide a wide variety of ostomy product kits, both for individual use in specific scenarios and for stock purposes, to address the wide range of needs of patients and healthcare providers. These supplies include both internal and external devices used to collect waste from the body after an ostomy, which is a surgical procedure that diverts waste to an opening in the abdomen.
Based on an article published by the Waunakee Tribune, ostomy supplies come in many types, including:
- Colostomy bags: designed to collect waste from an opening in the abdomen. They have a closure system to keep contents contained and dry.
- Ileostomy bags: These bags are made with extra rubber bands and are intended for waste collection from an ileostomy. The waste from an ileostomy is usually more liquid than from a colostomy because it collects from the last part of the small intestine.
- Urostomy bags or urinary diversion pouches: These pouches are used by patients who have undergone urostomy, which is the surgical diversion of urine. The waste collected in this case is urine, which is formed in the kidneys and passed to the bladder and then out of the body through an opening in the abdomen.
Ostomy supplies also include adhesives, sealants, and protectants that care for the skin around the ostomy. They help prevent leakage, protect the skin from irritants, and ensure the ostomy pouch adheres properly to the skin.
- Skin barriers: also called wafers or seals, are fabricated from a special material that protects the skin around the stoma. They provide a barrier between the stoma and the skin.
- Ostomy pastes: They help fill gaps between the skin and skin barriers, providing an extra seal against leakage. They also help in smoothing the skin's surface to improve ostomy wafer contact.
- Stoma caps: just like the name suggests, they are small caps placed over the stoma to contain any remaining output. They are mostly used by ostomy patients who have little or no stool or urine output and want to go without a full ostomy bag. They are intended for patients with a degree of surgical health that allows them to have an initial low output that can change to a normal level with time.
How to Apply and Change Ostomy Supplies
Applying and changing ostomy supplies is a crucial process for comfort and health for people living with an ostomy. The proper procedure has to be followed to make the process relatively easy, and the individuals are urged to follow some steps to do the change effectively.
- Gather all necessary ostomy supplies, such as skin barriers, ostomy pouches, and any additional products like paste or powder, will need for the procedure. Also, have wet and dry wipes to clean the skin and a towel to dry the skin.
- Before changing the ostomy pouch, prepare the new ostomy pouch by attaching any necessary components, such as a skin barrier, velcro, or other closures. In addition, the stoma should be matched for a perfect fit, which is a vital ostomy care step to prevent skin irritation caused by leakage.
- When changing an ostomy pouch, it is important to have the pouch placed so that the stoma is facing up when the person is lying down. It's also advisable for the stoma to be on the right side of the body in the corner of the pouch opening.
- Cleaning the stoma is one of the most important aspects of ostomy care. It will, therefore, be necessary to gently clean the ostomy with warm water and dry the surrounding skin before applying a new ostomy pouch. The new pouch should then be applied to the stoma by placing the skin barrier against the abdomen and allowing the stoma to protrude through the pouch opening.
- Ostomy supplies should be changed at a regular interval that is mutually agreed upon by both the patient and the medical practitioner taking care of the patient’s health condition. They also have to be encouraged to monitor the pouch for signs of irritation, odor, or fullness and change it as necessary to stay comfortable and maintain good hygiene.
Applications of Ostomy Supplies
According to an article published by Newsweek, ostomy supplies are applied in various settings beyond the healthcare of patients who have undergone ostomy surgeries. These are special surgeries that involve creating an opening for the discharge of bodily wastes from the abdomen.
Ostomy supplies may be needed, for instance, in disaster relief camps where people may have to go through the same surgery without access to healthcare and privacy. Healthcare facilities in developing countries may also serve clients who have limited access to health services. Continental Asia has a very large population of ostomates because many of them have surgeries such as bowel cancer or FAP. Moreover, cultures that are less likely to use toilet sits and opt for squat toilets may need special toilet seat covers designed for ostomates.
Special needs schools, such as those for children with spina bifida or neurological issues, may need ostomy supplies as some of the students might have undergone urinary or fecal diversion surgery. Other places that may need an ostomy pouch cover or supplies include nursing homes or homes for the elderly, support groups for people with irritable bowel syndrome, and companies owned by persons with disabilities.
Universities with ostomy support groups may provide ostomy supplies for student health services. Public health officials and epidemiologists in advancing countries may need equipment such as ostomy irrigation bags. Event space and venues may also need ostomy-friendly products like accessible restrooms or providing privacy screens for pouch changes.
What to Consider When Choosing Ostomy Supplies
Ostomy supplies are necessary to care for a patient's health condition and promote their comfort and dignity. The quality and type of ostomy equipment a patient uses can impact skin health, odor control, leakage prevention, and overall quality of life. There are a number of criteria one must consider when choosing ostomy supplies.
- Patient preferences: Patients should be given a choice in which ostomy supplies they use, as this can impact their comfort and quality of life. Preferences may relate to the type of pouch or appliance used, as some people may prefer one-piece or two-piece systems.
- Skin health: Considering skin health is critical when selecting ostomy supplies. Patients with ostomies need to choose pouches and appliances with skin-friendly adhesives that do not irritate or damage the skin. It's equally important to choose products with moisture-wicking properties that keep the skin dry and reduce the risk of irritation or rash.
- Ostomy pouch size: The same applies to stomas; there are many different sizes of ostomy pouches. Patients should select pouches that match their individual needs and avoid ones that are too small, which can lead to leakage, or too large, which can cause irritation.
- Odor control: Effective odor control is one of the most important considerations when selecting ostomy supplies. Look for pouches with charcoal filters or other odor-control technologies that help neutralize smells.
- Closure systems: These can determine how easy the pouch is to close and empty. Some pouches have Velcro-style closures, while others have integrated sealing systems that snap shut. Closing systems can affect convenience and whether the pouch contains odors and leaks.
- Insurance coverage: Consider insurance coverage when selecting ostomy supplies. Many insurance policies cover the cost of ostomy supplies, but coverage varies depending on the provider. Check with the insurance company to determine what supplies are covered and if a pre-authorization is needed.
Q & A
Q. What are the different types of ostomy supplies available?
A: There are colostomy bags, ileostomy bags, urostomy bags, skin barriers, ostomy pastes, and stoma caps.
Q. What are the steps in applying and changing ostomy supplies?
A: Gather necessary supplies, prepare the new pouch, remove the old pouch, clean the skin, apply the new pouch, and monitor for comfort.
Q. What are some applications of ostomy supplies outside healthcare settings?
A: Ostomy supplies may be needed in disaster relief camps, developing countries, special needs schools, nursing homes, support groups, universities, and other venues.
Q. What factors should be considered when choosing ostomy supplies?
A: Consider patient preferences, skin health, pouch size, odor control, closure systems, and insurance coverage.
