Ostomy Care: Emptying Your Pouch

You need to empty a drainable pouch when it gets to be about one-third full. This keeps the pouch from bulging under your clothes. It also helps prevent leaking and odor. To empty your pouch, follow the steps below in order.

Empty the Pouch

• Sit on or next to the toilet. Or stand in front of the toilet. Put a layer of toilet paper in the toilet bowl to keep stool from splashing.

• Hold the bottom of the pouch up. Remove the clamp and set it aside. (Do not throw the clamp away.)

• Slowly unroll the tail, or spout, over the toilet. Then slide your fingers down the pouch to push out all the stool.

Clean the Pouch

• Wipe the inside of the tail with toilet paper. This helps prevent odor.

• Check both sides of the pouch for tears or holes. If you find any, put on a new pouch.

• Rinse the clamp if there is stool on it.

• If you want to rinse out the pouch, hold the tail up and pour water through it. Hold the tail closed and shake the pouch gently. Then empty the pouch into the toilet.

Reclamp the Pouch

• Hold the clamp open with the curved side, or hinge, toward your body.

• Lay the bar or "knife" of the clamp flat on the tail of the pouch, about 1 inch from the bottom.

• Fold the tail up over the bar. Make sure the tail lies flat against the bar. Also make sure the whole width of the tail is held within the bar.

• Hold the tail firmly against the bar. Then close the clamp by bringing the hinge up to the bar. Press the two parts together until they lock.

Releasing Gas

Gas can collect in the pouch even if there is no stool. Never puncture the pouch to release gas. If you do, you'll break the odorproof seal. Stool can also leak. To release gas, follow these steps:

• Hold the tail of the pouch up slightly and remove the clamp.

• Hold the top of the pouch with one hand.

  With the other hand, push the gas out by sliding your thumb and index finger from the top to the bottom of the pouch.

• Reclamp the pouch as described above.