A stoma bag, also known as a stoma pouch or ostomy bag, is a small, waterproof pouch worn outside the body to collect waste from a stoma, which is an opening created surgically on the abdomen. This opening connects either the digestive or urinary system to the outside of the body to allow waste—such as feces or urine—to be diverted out when normal routes are not available or functional
. The stoma bag attaches to the skin around the stoma using an adhesive baseplate (also called a flange), providing a secure, leak-proof, and odor- proof system. The stoma itself is moist and pinkish-red, protruding slightly from the abdomen, and the bag collects waste that exits through this opening. The bag can be emptied or replaced as needed
. There are different types of stoma bags depending on the kind of stoma and output:
- Closed bags: Used mainly for colostomies with more solid stool; these bags are disposed of when full.
- Drainable bags: Have an opening at the bottom to allow emptying without removing the bag, suitable for ileostomies or liquid output.
- Urostomy bags: Designed for urine collection, often with a tap or valve for drainage and can be connected to larger drainage bags for convenience, especially overnight
Stoma bags come in one-piece systems (adhesive and bag combined) or two-piece systems (separate baseplate and bag), allowing flexibility in changing bags without removing the adhesive baseplate
. In summary, a stoma bag is a medical device essential for collecting bodily waste from a surgically created stoma, enabling people with certain bowel or bladder conditions to manage waste safely and hygienically
