**3.3 How to empty the pouch**

Odor and gas are common concerns for any individual with an ostomy.

The patient should be assured that ostomy pouches are odor-proof, but when the pouch is emptied, odor is normal. Simple strategies can help reduce odor.

	- 1.Sit as far back on the toilet as you can or on a chair facing the toilet.
	- 2.Place a small strip of toilet paper in the toilet to decrease splashing.
	- 3.Hold the bottom of the pouch up and open the clip at the end or tail of the pouch.

**37**

**3.6 Bathing**

*Intestinal Ostomy Complications and Care DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.85633*

emptying it.

emptying.

**3.5 The pouching system seal**

be cited:

than usual.

**3.4 Time to change the pouching system**

7.Roll up the end of the pouch and clip.

leakage, itching, or burning of the peristomal skin.

8.Change the pouch one to two times weekly and as needed for any signs of

9.Keep the tail of the pouch clean so that it does not become a source of odor. This can be accomplished by everting the tail of a pouch prior to

10.Use a room spray or pouch deodorant to minimize odor associated with

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 used. There may be less bowel activity at certain times of the day. It's easiest to change the pouching system during these times. Every patient establishes its own preference about the proper time to change the pouch. Some prefer early morning before breakfast and some allow at least 1 h after a meal. Right after surgery, ostomy output may be thin and watery and the bowel discharges unpredictable. As the output gets thicker, it becomes easier to select the best time for changing.

The pouching system must stick to the 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, activ-

Other factors may affect how long a pouch sticks to the skin. Among them it can

1.Sweating will shorten the number of days the pouching system can be worn.

2.Body heat and outside temperature cause skin barriers to loosen more quickly

4.Weight changes will affect how long you can wear a pouch. Gaining or losing weight after stoma surgery can change the abdominal shape with need for use

5.Diet may affect the seal. Foods that cause watery output are more likely to

or anything that intensifies sweat may shorten wear time [7].

6.Physical activities may affect wearing time. Swimming, very strenuous sports,

To take a shower is possible with or without a pouching system in place. Normal exposure to air or contact with soap and water will not harm the stoma. Water will

ity, body shape near the stoma, and the nature of the ostomy output.

3.Moist, oily skin may reduce wearing time.

of an entirely different system.

break a seal than a thicker discharge.


The abdominal skin around the stoma should always look the same as the skin anywhere else on the abdomen. Ostomy output can make this skin tender or sore. To

1.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,

2.Change the pouching system regularly to avoid leaks and skin irritation.

3.Do not rip the pouching system away from the skin or remove it more than

4.Clean the skin around the stoma with water, and dry the skin completely

5.Watch for sensitivities and allergies (to the adhesive, skin barrier, paste, tape,

Loop ileostomies are typically more difficult to manage than end ileostomies

It is important that the patient be taught how to change and empty the pouching system before leaving the hospital. The use of sterile supplies is not necessary. Toilet paper, facial tissue, or paper towels can be used to clean around the stoma instead of

The patient should be assured that ostomy pouches are odor-proof, but when the

I.To keep bulging and leaking, it's recommended emptying the ostomy pouch when it is about 1/3 full. To empty the pouch, the patient should adopt the

1.Sit as far back on the toilet as you can or on a chair facing the toilet.

2.Place a small strip of toilet paper in the toilet to decrease splashing.

6.Clean the outside and inside of the pouch tail with toilet paper.

3.Hold the bottom of the pouch up and open the clip at the end or tail of the

Odor and gas are common concerns for any individual with an ostomy.

pouch is emptied, odor is normal. Simple strategies can help reduce odor.

prevent skin dermatitis, the American Cancer Society recommends:

before putting on a skin barrier or adapting the pouch.

6.Patch testing different products for skin sensitivity or allergies.

because the stoma frequently empties close to the skin surface [6].

**3.2 Emptying and changing the ostomy pouching system**

output could get to and irritate the skin.

once a day unless there's a problem.

or pouch material).

sterile gauze pads.

**3.3 How to empty the pouch**

following steps:

pouch.

4.Slowly unroll the tail over the toilet.

5.Gently empty the contents.

**36**

