Questions about managing a Stoma Pouch

Posted by gordy6898p @gordy6898p, Nov 10, 2023

During the past several months I've had an indwelling Foley catheter and leg bag....

Apparently external stoma pouches have to be frequently drained, every 2-4 hours from what I gather.

It should be easy to simply connect the stoma pouch to a leg bag with a short length of tubing.... perhaps extending drain intervals to 6-8 hours.

Would this be a practical solution?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Ostomy Support Group.

During the day I use a replacable pouch, while at night I use a drainage pouch. One reason, besides I feel they are more sanitary is because I may be in a location where it inconvenient to drain the pouch.

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@colleenyoung

@gordy6898p, you may find some useful tips about leakage in this related discussion:
- Ileostomy leaks and skin care
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/ileostomy-leaks-and-skin-care/
It looks like you've done some extensive searching online about ostomies, so you've probably already seen this article from U of Chicago Medicine. I find it clear and it answers a lot of questions

- A Guide to Ostomy Bags and Pouching Systems https://www.uchicagomedicine.org/conditions-services/colon-rectal-surgery/ostomy/guide-to-pouching-systems

When will you be getting your stoma?

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Thanks, I'll check into those.

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I quickly switched my mother to disposable pouches. No problems at all. The bags detach and are discarded, 2-3 times/day. Right after surgery we had some overnight problems because residual gas in the GI system blew up the bags but that stopped quickly. The folks at Convatec (including nurses) were incredibly helpful, and had more up to date info than our stoma nurse. The pouches we used were tan with a window, but they come without a window. I also used Ease strips which were stuck along the sides of the barrier and added additional strength and seal.

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@kenc

During the day I use a replacable pouch, while at night I use a drainage pouch. One reason, besides I feel they are more sanitary is because I may be in a location where it inconvenient to drain the pouch.

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Thanks for you reply.........

At the moment I'm using a leg bag, which is drained every 4-8 hours, an easy procedure.

For overnight a much larger bag, probably holds a gallon, is suspended from the bed.

The VA recommends changing bags every week. They keep sending new supplies, I must have about 15 of each style on hand.

After the Stoma procedure, hopes are I can simply connect the Stoma pouch to the appropriate bag. Since the Stoma pouch would always be close to empty, thus weighing little, it seems the chance of seal leakage would be fairly low.

I'm scheduled for Chemo infusion #3 next Wednesday (Nov 15), and plan to discuss this with the VA folks.

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@gordy6898p

From what I gather, leaking of the Stoma pouch barrier ring is a common concern, along with properly applying a quality adhesive. Barrier ring extenders are even available.

If the Stoma pouch is connected to an external collector, such as a leg bag, pouch weight would be insignificant, thus much less prone to leakage.

Some Google sites even mention using an external collector during sleep hours, but provide few details.

Anybody here had much experience in that regard?

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A key factor before applying the stoma pouch is to be sure the area around the stoma is dry. Otherwise the pouch will probablely leak.

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@kenc

A key factor before applying the stoma pouch is to be sure the area around the stoma is dry. Otherwise the pouch will probablely leak.

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Thanks, I'll be careful to keep it dry.

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I don’t know, for me it would be easier and more normal feeling to just empty the pouch every few hours. I would be more aware of the leg bag and it would bulge when filling and be annoying. I know how I am. I use a bedside drainage bag at night. That seems to be the best for me. I keep a black coffee cup looking container in the car for times I want to empty the pouch when not near a bathroom. Works great. Good luck! You’ll find your way. 😊

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The disposable pouches are so easy and quick, no mess!

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@ggarrepy

I don’t know, for me it would be easier and more normal feeling to just empty the pouch every few hours. I would be more aware of the leg bag and it would bulge when filling and be annoying. I know how I am. I use a bedside drainage bag at night. That seems to be the best for me. I keep a black coffee cup looking container in the car for times I want to empty the pouch when not near a bathroom. Works great. Good luck! You’ll find your way. 😊

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I only have to empty the leg bag every 6-8 hours, which is quick and easy. I wear jeans 99.9% of the time while out of bed, and leg bag bulging isn't at all obvious.

My concern is Stoma pouch seal leakage, which should be fairly low with a nearly empty pouch. A few folks here have offered advice on how to minimize the chances of leakage.

Yesterday (Nov 15) was Chemo infusion #3. I asked the nurse about the possibility of connecting the pouch to the leg bag. Her reply was to direct my questions to the urology folks.

Chemo #4 is scheduled for Dec 6. Before that I will be getting followup phone calls, with lots of questions to be asked on my part.

Before Chemo #4 plans are to schedule another CT scan, another chance to ask questions.

Thanks again to folks here for their advice and replies.

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