Colostomy Care Nurses

Our colostomy care nurses provide expert support to help patients manage their colostomy with confidence and ease. Following evidence-based guidelines, we ensure proper pouch application, skin care, and lifestyle adjustments to enhance quality of life. The following information serves as a quick reference for colostomy care.

Helpful Hints

Eat a well-balanced diet including vegetables and fresh fruits on a regular schedule. Drink 6 to 8 glasses of fluids daily.
Eat slowly in a relaxed atmosphere, chew food thoroughly, and avoid chewing gum, smoking, or drinking from a straw to reduce swallowed air and gas.
Consuming yogurt or buttermilk may help reduce gas.
To control gas at night, avoid eating after 8 p.m. to allow your bowel to quiet down before bed.
Use Beano, available over the counter, to reduce gas by sprinkling it on the first bite of food.
Limit odor-producing foods like fish, onions, garlic, broccoli, asparagus, and cabbage, as they may cause stronger odors when emptying the pouch.

Applying the Pouching System

Our nurses guide patients through the following steps to apply a colostomy pouch:

Place all equipment within reach before removing the pouch.
Wash your hands.
Stand or sit in front of a mirror, keeping the skin around the stoma wrinkle-free for a good seal.
Gently remove the used pouch (1-piece system) or pouch and wafer (2-piece system), empty into the toilet, and save the closure clip.
Wash the stoma and surrounding skin with mild soap (e.g., Dial, Safeguard, Ivory) and water, then rinse and pat dry. A slight bleed is normal.
Measure the stoma using the stoma guide (Fig. 1) from the supply box.
Trace the stoma shape onto the back of the new pouch or wafer (Fig. 2), cut out the opening (Fig. 3), and remove the paper backing.
(Optional) Apply skin barrier powder to irritated skin and dust off excess.
(Optional) Apply a skin-prep wipe (e.g., Skin Prep, All-Kare) to the skin around the stoma and let it dry, avoiding irritated or shaved skin.
(Optional) Apply skin barrier paste (e.g., Stomahesive, Coloplast) around the cut opening and let it dry for 30–60 seconds.
Hold the pouch or wafer with the sticky side toward your body, center it on the stoma, and press firmly to the abdomen (Fig. 4). For a 2-piece system, snap the pouch onto the wafer securely.
Place your hand over the pouch or wafer for 30 seconds to help it stick.
Add 10 drops of deodorant (e.g., Super Banish, Nullo, or vanilla/peppermint extract) to the pouch, then apply the closure clamp. Avoid toxic chemicals.
(Optional) Apply medical adhesive tape to all four sides of the pouch or wafer for extra security.
Change the pouch every 5–7 days or immediately if a leak occurs.
Wash your hands.

For a 2-piece system, alternate two pouches weekly, rinsing with mild soap and water, and change the wafer weekly.

Tips for Colostomy Care

Applying Your Pouch

Stand or sit to apply the pouch, keeping the skin wrinkle-free.
Trim hair near the stoma with scissors or a razor.
Use a mirror for better visibility.
Write the date on the adhesive tape to track pouch changes.

Changing Your Pouch

Change the pouch in the morning before eating or drinking, when stoma activity is lower.

Emptying Your Pouch

Empty the pouch when one-third full to avoid difficulty and visibility.
Use toilet paper or flush while emptying to reduce splashing.
Rinse the pouch with mild soap and water using a turkey baster or snap off a 2-piece pouch for rinsing.
Spray the pouch interior with non-stick cooking oil (e.g., Pam) to prevent stool sticking.

Bathing

Shower or bathe with the pouch on or off, using clean, non-sterile materials for washing.

Wearing Your Pouch

Use a pouch cover in hot weather or if perspiring to prevent rashes.
Wear the pouch inside underwear for support.
Monitor weight changes, as a 10–15 pound gain or loss can affect pouch fit.

Going Away From Home

Use a collapsible cup or soft plastic squirt bottle for rinsing the pouch away from home.
Carry wet wipes, extra tissues, and an extra pouching system.
Avoid storing ostomy supplies in extreme heat or cold (e.g., car glove compartment).
Carry supplies in hand luggage when traveling, with a letter stating medical necessity for international travel.
Order supplies before running low.

Reducing Odor

Limit odor-producing foods (e.g., broccoli, cabbage, onions).
Clean the pouch opening thoroughly after emptying.
Rinse the pouch 1–2 times daily and add deodorant.
Use air deodorizers in the bathroom.
Avoid adding aspirin to the pouch, as it may cause stoma ulcers.

Colostomy Care Nurses