Caring for a Colostomy

Protecting the skin around the stoma

The skin around your stoma should always look the same as skin anywhere else on your abdomen. But ostomy output can make this skin tender or sore. Here are some ways to help keep your skin healthy:

Use the right size pouch and skin barrier opening. An opening that’s too small can cut or injure the stoma and may cause it to swell. If the opening is too large, output could get to and irritate the skin. In both cases, change the pouch or skin barrier and replace it with one that fits well.

Change the pouching system regularly to avoid leaks and skin irritation. It's important to have a regular schedule for changing your pouch. Don't wait for leaks or other signs of problems, such as itching and burning.

Be careful when pulling the pouching system away from the skin and don't remove it more than once a day unless there’s a problem. Remove the skin barrier gently by pushing your skin away from the sticky barrier rather than pulling the barrier away from the skin.

Clean the skin around the stoma with water. Dry the skin completely before putting on the skin barrier or pouch.

Watch for sensitivities and allergies to the adhesive, skin barrier, paste, tape, or pouch material. They can develop after weeks, months, or even years of using a product because you can become sensitized over time. If your skin is irritated only where the plastic pouch touches it, you might try a pouch cover or a different brand of pouch. A stoma nurse can offer ideas if needed. Pouch covers are available from supply manufacturers, or you can make your own. You may have to test different products to see how your skin reacts to them.

Colostomy irrigation (for descending and sigmoid colostomies only)

Colostomy irrigation is something that can be done with certain types of colostomies to help move stool through the colon. If you have a descending or sigmoid colostomy, you may choose to manage your colostomy with irrigation. Irrigation is simply putting water into the colon through the stoma to help regulate bowel movements.

Colostomy irrigation has been used for many years, but it's not used as much now as years ago. This is probably because pouch systems have improved.

Whether to irrigate is up to each person, but you should fully discuss it with your doctor or ostomy nurse before a decision is made. Your doctor or ostomy nurse will teach you how to irrigate your colostomy. The procedure may be a little different from what we describe here, depending on the experience of the person teaching you.

Talk to your doctor or ostomy nurse about irrigation. Whether you will choose to irrigate your colostomy and how you do it depends on many factors, such as your:

• Lifelong bowel habits
• Activity level
• Skill and comfort level with irrigation
• Personal feelings about the colostomy

If you decide to irrigate, try to find a method, or combination of methods, that most closely matches your body’s normal bowel habit or pattern. At first, you may need to try different things under a doctor or nurse’s guidance. Just remember, it will take time to set up a routine. Having regular daily habits will help. If you find certain foods or irrigation procedures help regulate your bowel movements, keep doing those things at the same time every day. Regular habits will promote regular bowel functions, but occasional changes in routine won’t harm you.

The equipment (Figures 17 to 20) you’ll use includes:

• A plastic irrigating container with a long tube and a cone or tip. The plastic cone-shaped piece at end of the tubing fits snugly against the stoma to run water into the colostomy.
• An irrigation sleeve to carry the irrigation output into the toilet.
• A tail closure clip and a belt for extra irrigation sleeve support. (This is optional.)

If you choose to irrigate

When to irrigate

• Choose a time in the day when you know you’ll have the bathroom to yourself.
• Irrigation may work better if it’s done after a meal or a hot or warm drink. Also, consider irrigating at about the same time of day you usually moved your bowels before you had the colostomy.

How to irrigate

• Get your irrigation supplies together
• Clamp the tubing and put 1000 cc (about 1 quart) of lukewarm (not hot) water in the irrigating container. You may need a little less. NEVER connect the tube directly to the faucet.
• Hang the container at a height that makes the bottom of it level with your shoulder when you are seated.
• Sit on the toilet or on a chair next to it. Sit up straight.
• Seal the plastic irrigation sleeve onto your skin barrier and put the bottom end of the sleeve in the toilet bowl.
• Wet the end of the cone or lubricate it with water-soluble lubricant.
• Remove air bubbles from the tubing by opening the clamp on the tubing and letting a small amount of water run into the sleeve.
• Re-clamp the tubing and put the cone into your stoma as far as it will go, but not beyond its widest point.
• Slowly open the clamp on the tubing and allow the water to gently flow into your bowel. The water must go in slowly. You may shut the clamp or squeeze the tube to slow or stop the water flow. It takes about 5 minutes to drip in 1000 cc (about 1 quart) of water.
• Hold the cone in place for about 10 seconds after all the water has gone in.
• The amount of water you need depends on your own body. You may need less, but do not use more than 1000 cc (1 quart). The purpose of irrigating is to remove stool, not to be strict about the amount of water used.
• You should not have cramps or nausea while the water flows in. These are signs that either the water is running in too fast, you’re using too much water, or the water is too cold. After the water has been put in, a bowel movement-type cramp may happen as the stool comes out.
• After the water has run in, remove the cone. Output or “returns” will come in spurts over the next 45 minutes or so.
• As soon as most of the stool has come out, you may clip the bottom of the irrigating sleeve to the top with a tail closure clip. This allows you to move around, bathe, or do anything you wish to pass the time.
• When done, recheck the wafer seal and put your usual pouch back on. Rinse the bag, cone, and sleeve and hang to dry.

With time and experience, you’ll know when all the water and stool have come out. A squirt of gas may be a sign that the process is done, or the stoma may look quiet or inactive. If the complete irrigation process always takes much more than an hour, talk to your doctor or ostomy nurse.

Emptying and changing the pouching system

You’ll be taught how to change and empty your pouching system before you leave the hospital. You don’t have to use sterile supplies. For instance, facial tissue, toilet paper, or paper towels can be used to clean around the stoma instead of sterile gauze pads.

How to empty the pouch

Empty the ostomy pouch when it is about 1/3 to 1/2 full to keep it from bulging and leaking. Follow these steps:

• Sit as far back on the toilet as you can or on a chair facing the toilet.
• Place a small strip of toilet paper in the toilet to decrease splashing.
• Hold the bottom of the pouch up and open the clip on the end or tail of the pouch.
• Slowly unroll the tail over the toilet.
• Gently empty the contents. You can put some toilet paper in the toilet first to help avoid splashing if needed.
• Clean the outside and inside of the pouch tail with toilet paper.
• Roll up the end of the pouch and clip.

When to change the pouching system

It's best to have a regular changing schedule so problems don't develop. Different pouching systems are made to last different lengths of time. Some are changed every day, some every 3 days or so, and some just once a week. It depends on the type of pouch you use.

There may be less bowel activity at certain times in the day. It’s easiest to change the pouching system during these times. You may find that early morning before you eat or drink is best. Or allow at least 1 hour after a meal, when digestive movement has slowed down. Right after surgery, ostomy output may be thin and watery. As the output gets thicker, you’ll be better able to find the best time for changing your system.

Factors that affect the pouching system seal

The pouching system must stick to your skin. It’s important to change it before it loosens or leaks. The length of time a pouch will stay sealed to the skin depends on many things, such as the weather, skin condition, scars, weight changes, diet, activity, body shape near the stoma, and the nature of the ostomy output. Here are some other things that may affect how long a pouch sticks:

• Sweating will shorten the number of days you can wear the pouching system. Body heat, added to outside temperature, will cause skin barriers to loosen more quickly than usual.
• Moist, oily skin may reduce wearing time.
• Weight changes will affect how long you can wear a pouch. Weight gained or lost after ostomy surgery can change the shape of your abdomen. You may need an entirely different system.
• Diet may affect your seal. Foods that cause watery output are more likely to break a seal than a thicker discharge.
• Physical activities may affect wearing time. Swimming, very strenuous sports, or anything that makes you sweat may shorten wear time.

Bathing

Water will not hurt your ostomy. Normal exposure to air or contact with soap and water won’t harm the stoma. Water will not flow into the stoma. Soap will not irritate it, but soap may interfere with the skin barrier sticking to the skin. It’s best to only use water while cleaning the skin around your stoma. If you do use soap, be sure to rinse your skin well.

If you shower, you can remove your pouch, but it's not necessary and not usually recommended. If you take a bath, it's recommended to leave the pouch in place.  One big reason not to remove your pouch when you shower or bathe is to avoid the risk of fecal output happening, which of course you cannot control. 

Spots of blood on the stoma

Spots of blood are not a cause for alarm. Cleaning around the stoma as you change the pouch or skin barrier may cause slight bleeding. The blood vessels in the tissues of the stoma are very delicate at the surface and are easily disturbed. The bleeding will usually stop quickly. If it doesn’t, call your ostomy nurse or your doctor.

Shaving hair under the pouch

Having a lot of hair around the stoma can make it hard to get the skin barrier to stick well and may cause pain when you remove it. Shaving with a razor or trimming hair with scissors is helpful. Extra care should always be taken when doing this. It’s recommended that you dry shave the skin around your stoma with stoma powder, since soap and shaving creams have lotions and oils that may cause the skin barrier not to stick. After shaving, rinse well and dry the skin well before applying your pouch. 

What to wear when you have a colostomy

You will not need special clothes for everyday wear. Ostomy pouches, especially certain kinds, are fairly flat and hard to see under most clothing. The pressure of elastic undergarments won’t harm the stoma or prevent bowel function.

If you were sick before surgery, you may find you can now eat normally for the first time in years. As your appetite returns, you may gain weight. This can affect the clothes you choose more than the pouching system itself.

Snug undergarments such as cotton stretch underpants, t-shirts, or camisoles may give you extra support, security, and help conceal pouches. A simple pouch cover adds comfort by absorbing body sweat and keeps the plastic pouch from resting against your skin. Men can wear either boxer or jockey-type shorts. 

Managing colostomy problems 

Gas (flatulence)

Right after surgery it may seem that you have a lot of gas almost all the time. Most abdominal surgery is followed by this uncomfortable, embarrassing, yet harmless symptom. Gassy noises or stomach rumblings may be a concern.  If you are concerned about others nearby hearing this, you can say, “Excuse me, my stomach’s growling.” If you feel as though you are about to release gas when you’re with people, casually fold your arms across your belly so that your forearm rests over your stoma. This will muffle most sounds. Check with your ostomy nurse about products you can take to help lessen gas. Certain foods may cause gas, such as eggs, cabbage, broccoli, onions, fish, beans, milk, cheese, carbonated drinks, and alcohol.

• Eating regularly will help prevent gas.
• Eat smaller amounts of food 4 to 5 times a day.    
• DO NOT skip meals to avoid gas or output.

Odor

Many factors, such as foods, normal bacteria in your intestine, illness, certain medicines, and vitamins can cause odor.

• Some foods can produce odor: eggs, cabbage, cheese, cucumber, onion, garlic, fish, dairy foods, and coffee are among them. If you find that certain foods bother you, avoid them.
• Use an odor-resistant pouch.
• Check to see that the skin barrier is stuck securely to your skin.
• Empty the pouch often.
• Place special deodorant liquids and/or tablets in the pouch.
• There are some medicines you can take that may help. Check with your doctor or ostomy nurse about these products and how to use them. Some things that many people have found help with odor are chlorophyll tablets, bismuth subgallate, and bismuth subcarbonate. Keeping air deodorizers in that room can also control odor very well when you are emptying the pouch

Finding medicine capsules in your pouch

Be aware that coated tablets or time-released capsules may come out whole in the pouch. In most cases, this means you didn’t get the medicine. If you notice this, talk with your health care provider or pharmacist. There may be other medicines you can use to make sure you’re getting what you need. Liquid or liquid gel medicines tend to absorb faster and may work better for you.

Severe skin problems

Large areas of skin that are red, sore, and weeping (always wet) will keep you from getting a good seal around your stoma. It’s important to treat minor irritations right away. If you have a large irritated area, or one that’s getting larger despite special care, contact your doctor or ostomy nurse. They may prescribe medicine to take by mouth or to put around your ostomy to help dry out and heal your skin.

For deep pressure ulcers caused by a very tight ostomy belt, loosen or remove the belt and call your doctor or ostomy nurse right away. You will need treatment.

Blockage (obstruction)

There will be times when your ostomy does not have output for short periods of time. This is normal. But, if your stoma is not active for 4 to 6 hours and you have cramps, pain, and/or nausea, the intestine could be blocked (the medical word is obstructed). Call your doctor or ostomy nurse right away if this happens.

These are some things you can do to help move things through your ostomy:

• Watch for swelling of the stoma and adjust the opening of the wafer as needed until the swelling goes down.
• Take a warm bath to relax your abdominal muscles.
• Fluids can be taken if there is some stool output: solid foods should be avoided 
• Sometimes changing your position, such as drawing your knees up to your chest, may help move along the food in your gut.
• Do NOT take a laxative.

Foods high in fiber such as cabbage, greens, celery, pineapple, nuts, coconut, and corn can cause obstruction. Obstruction can also be caused by internal changes such as adhesions (scar tissue that forms inside your abdomen after surgery).

If you keep having pain and cramping with no output from your stoma for more than 2 hours, and you can’t reach your doctor or ostomy nurse, go to the emergency room. Take all your ostomy supplies with you.

Diarrhea

Diarrhea is usually a warning that something isn’t right. Diarrhea is defined as frequent loose or watery bowel movements in greater amounts than usual. It happens when food passes through the small intestine too quickly for fluids and electrolytes to be absorbed. It can come on suddenly and may cause cramps. It can cause your body to lose a lot of fluids and electrolytes. You must quickly replace these electrolytes to avoid getting sick from dehydration and mineral loss. (See Electrolyte imbalance below for more on this.)

Loose stool can also come from eating certain foods, but it usually only lasts a short time. Raw fruits and vegetables, milk, fruit juice, prune juice, or impure drinking water are examples of things that may change your stoma output. Emotional stress may also cause loose stool. Some people with ileostomies may always have “watery discharge,” and this is normal for them.

Several things can cause diarrhea:

• Intestinal infection or food poisoning, which may also cause fever and/or vomiting
• Antibiotics and other prescription medicines
• Partial blockage, which also causes smelly discharge, cramps, forceful liquid output, and a lot of noises from the stoma. It can be caused by food or other factors. Get medical help if this happens to you.

Talk with your doctor or ostomy nurse if you have ongoing diarrhea. Discuss the foods and liquids you take in, your eating schedule, how much you usually eat, and any medicines you might be taking. You may be given medicine to help slow things down. Remember, no matter what, you need a well-balanced diet and good fluid intake to have a good output.

Electrolyte imbalance

Electrolytes are salts and minerals in the blood, like potassium, magnesium, and sodium. Keeping them balanced is important. When the colon (large intestine) is removed, you’re at a greater risk for electrolyte imbalance. Diarrhea, vomiting, and a lot of sweating can increase this risk.

Dehydration is also a serious concern. Symptoms include increased thirst, dry mouth, decreased urine output, feeling light-headed, and feeling tired. If you get dehydrated, you’ll need to drink more fluids. To avoid dehydration, you should try to drink 8 to 10 eight-ounce glasses of fluid a day. If you have diarrhea, you may need more. Drinks such as Gatorade^®, PowerAde^®, or Pedialyte^® contain potassium and sodium. But any liquid containing water (soda, milk, juice, tea, etc.) helps to meet your daily need for fluid.

Loss of appetite, drowsiness, and leg cramps may be signs of sodium loss. Fatigue, muscle weakness, and shortness of breath may be signs of potassium loss. Dehydration, low sodium, and low potassium can all be dangerous and should be treated right away. Keep in mind that some of these symptoms can be caused by other problems which may be emergencies. Call your doctor or 911 right away if you are dizzy, weak, or having other serious symptoms.

Phantom rectum

Phantom rectum is much like the “phantom limb” of amputees who feel as if their removed limb is still there. It’s normal for you to have the urge to move your bowels the way you did before surgery. This can happen at any time and may go on for years after surgery. If the rectum has not been removed, you may have this feeling and also may pass mucus when sitting on the toilet. Some people who have had their rectum removed say that the feeling is helped by sitting on the toilet and acting as if a bowel movement is taking place.

Short bowel syndrome

This condition happens when surgery is done to remove a large part of the small intestine. Short bowel syndrome needs special attention because there’s not enough intestine left to absorb the nutrients the body needs.

People with short bowel syndrome must be under a doctor’s care. They must be closely watched to make sure they’re taking in enough calories, carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals. They can live a normal life, but must be careful to avoid diarrhea, and be within quick reach of medical care. The shorter the small intestine, the more watery the discharge will be. This may reduce the time a pouch can be worn because the skin barrier breaks down more rapidly.

When you should call the doctor

You should call the doctor or ostomy nurse if you have:

• Cramps lasting more than 2 or 3 hours
• Continuous nausea and vomiting
• No ostomy output for 4 to 6 hours with cramping and nausea
• Severe watery discharge lasting more than 5 or 6 hours
• Bad odor lasting more than a week (This may be a sign of infection.)
• A cut in the stoma
• Injury to the stoma
• Bad skin irritation or deep sores (ulcers)
• A lot of bleeding from the stoma opening (or a moderate amount in the pouch that you notice several times when emptying it) (NOTE: Eating beets will cause some red discoloration.)
• Continuous bleeding where the stoma meets the skin
• Unusual change in your stoma size or color
• Anything unusual going on with your ostomy

Ordering and storing ostomy supplies

Supplies may be ordered from a mail order company, from a medical supply store, a local pharmacy, or online. For additional help ordering, try contacting the product manufacturer, check your local phone book’s business pages, or check the Internet (try searching for “ostomy supplies”).

• To order pouches, skin barriers, and other ostomy products, you’ll need both the manufacturer’s name and the product numbers.
• Talk with your ostomy nurse about reputable dealers who can supply you with what you need.
• Before ordering your supplies, check with your health insurance to be sure that they work with the company in question. 
• Compare prices when using mail order and the Internet (remember to include shipping costs).
• Keep all your supplies together on a shelf, in a drawer, or in a box in a dry area away from moisture and hot or cold temperatures.
• Order supplies a few weeks before you expect them to run out to allow enough time for delivery. DO NOT stockpile supplies – they can be ruined by moisture and temperature changes.