Northwest Oncology & Hematology

Rolling Meadows Office: 847.870.4100
Elk Grove Village Office: 847.437.3312
Hoffman Estates Office: 847.885.4100
Barrington Office: 847.842.0180
Elgin Office: 847.577.1023

Welcome to our health education library. The information shared below is provided to you as an educational and informational source only and is not intended to replace a medical examination or consultation, or medical advice given to you by a physician or medical professional.

Colostomy: Changing Your PouchCuidado de una colostom­a: cambio de la bolsa

Colostomy: Changing Your Pouch

You were given a stoma (new opening for stool to pass from the body) during surgery. Stool starts to pass from the stoma soon after surgery. That means you'll need to learn how to change your pouch before you go home. A drainable pouch needs to be changed usually every 5-7 days. To change your pouch, follow the steps below. Start by gathering what you'll need:

  • plastic bags

  • soft washcloth

  • toilet paper

  • new pouch

  • extra skin protection

  • scissors (if needed)

  • clean towel

1. Remove the Used Pouch

  • Removing the pouch If you use a drainable pouch, empty it first. Sit on or next to the toilet. Set the clamp aside.

  • Start at the upper edge of the skin barrier. Carefully push the skin away from the skin barrier with one hand. Slowly peel back the skin barrier with the other hand.

  • Peel all the way around the skin barrier until the pouch comes off.

  • Seal the pouch in a plastic bag. Then put it in a second plastic bag. Throw it away in a trash bin.

2. Clean Around the Stoma

  • Cleaning skin around the stoma Wipe any stool off the skin around the stoma with toilet paper.

  • Clean the skin with warm water and a soft washcloth. Wash right up to the edge of the stoma. Pat the skin dry with a clean towel.

  • If needed, put on extra skin protection, such as moisture barrier paste, cream, or powder.

3. Put On the New Pouch

  • Putting on the new pouch If you don't use a pouch with a precut skin barrier, size and cut the opening (1/16 inch bigger than the stoma) and peel the backing off the skin barrier. Carefully place it over the stoma.

  • If you use a two-piece pouch, snap the pouch onto the barrier. Start at the bottom and work your fingers around the flange.

  • Press the barrier against the skin with your hand over the barrier and hold it in place for 45 seconds. This molds the barrier to your skin.

  • If you use a drainable pouch, clamp the tail.

Call Your ET Nurse or Other Healthcare Provider If:

  • The skin around the stoma is red, weepy, bleeding, or broken.

  • The skin around the stoma itches, burns, stings, or has white spots.

  • The stoma swells, changes color, or bleeds without stopping

  • The stoma changes size, becomes even with or sinks below the skin, or sticks up more than normal.

Date Last Reviewed: 2005-11-10T00:00:00-07:00

Date Last Modified: 2005-11-10T00:00:00-07:00

Contact us at Northwest Oncology & Hematology. You can reach us at 847.870.4100 (Rolling Meadows office), 847.437.3312 (Elk Grove Village office), 847.885.4100 (Hoffman Estates office), 847.842.0180 (Barrington office) and 847.577.1023 (Elgin office)For your convenience, you can also use our New Patient Appointment online form to schedule your consultation with us.

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