How to Empty A Colostomy Bag

By Zain / September 25, 2023

Managing with colostomy bag can be a challenging task, especially emptying a colostomy bag. It would not be less than a nightmare. But with the right knowledge and correct technique, it can become much easier and less daunting. A drainable ostomy pouch requires to be emptied when it’s about one-third full as it will avoid bulging under clothes and unpleasant odor.

Therefore, a comprehensive guide is here to make you aware of the simple steps that are necessary to empty an ostomy bag along with some tips and tricks that make emptying an ostomy bag an easy task.

WHAT IS A COLOSTOMY BAG?

A colostomy is a pouch or bag that is made up of skin-friendly material such as plastic. This bag is used to collect your bodily waste products after colostomy surgery. The colostomy bag is attached to the stoma- an opening in the tummy.

IMPORTANCE OF COLOSTOMY BAG

Since a stoma lacks muscles and nerve endings, therefore, controlling bowel movement is almost impossible. Therefore, a colostomy bag serves as a hero for collecting waste matter anytime when it is needed.

Having a colostomy bag has made life better for lots of people. It helps handle body waste in an easier and more organized way, giving people more freedom and comfort. This makes life feel better and more normal. People can do more things, stay connected with friends and family, and have a better life overall. The colostomy bag has many good things about it, helping people feel more confident and in control of their lives.

Read More: What is a Colostomy Bag Used for?

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF COLOSTOMY BAGS?

Based on its use, there are two types of colostomy bags:

Drainable bags:

This type of colostomy bag can be emptied easily and can be used for several days. There is a hole at the bottom of the pouch that makes draining content an easy task.

Non-drainable bags:

These bags are designed to be used for single use. They do not have any opening at the bottom, instead, once the pouch fills, you will have to discard it.

Related: How to Keep Colostomy Bag from Coming Off?

WHAT IS THE PERFECT WAY TO EMPTY YOUR COLOSTOMY BAG?

The answer to this question is a bit tricky as there is a different way for everyone.

It’s fascinating to see the diversity in approaches among ostomates when emptying their colostomy bags. This survey conducted in April 2021 highlights the range of preferences:

43%prefer emptying while sitting down forward.
29% opt for standing.
17% prefer to kneel in front of the toilet seat.
7% choose to sit backwards on the toilet seat.

This diversity underscores the importance of finding what works best for each individual’s comfort and convenience when managing their colostomy bag.

HOW TO EMPTY YOUR OSTOMY BAG

Colostomy or ileostomy bags can be easily emptied by following this step-by-step guide to ensure mess-less emptying of your stoma bag,

Step-by-Step Emptying Process:

First of all, prepare your supplies. This means collecting all necessary items that may be required during emptying a drainable colostomy pouch. This includes disposable gloves, toilet paper, plastic bags for disposal, and odor-eliminating products (optional).
Now hunt for a comfortable yet hygienic location for emptying your colostomy bag. A restroom with strict privacy is the best place.
Before starting any procedure, wash your hands thoroughly with warm water and soap to avoid contact with the stoma.
Now based on your comfort and preference choose an appropriate position like sitting backward or standing. Remember, your comfort is paramount here
Gently detach the adhesive seal from the skin barrier. Make sure to do this step carefully as it will avoid any discomfort or irritation
Carefully hold the end of the colostomy bag aiming over the toilet bowl or any other plastic bag. Now gently squeeze and empty the contents by rolling the bag from the bottom up.
After emptying the contents of the bag into the toilet bowl, you can rinse the bag with water to ensure cleanliness. If you don’t want to use water, then you can use wet wipes or wet toilet paper to wipe off any residue.
Now using toilet paper, clean and dry the bag opening. Make sure it should be free from any residue.
Once you are sure that the bag has been cleaned and dried properly, roll back the tail slowly and reseal the bottom of the bag with a clip or fasten the Velcro. You have to do this step very carefully and make sure that there should not be any leak in the bag.
If you have emptied your bag’s content in the plastic bag then places the plastic bag into another plastic bag, tie it securely, and dispose of it into the dustbin.
Once you are done with emptying the colostomy bag and disposing of ostomy waste, wash your hands thoroughly with any antibacterial soap and warm water to maintain hygiene.

HOW TO EMPTY AN OSTOMY BAG WHILE SITTING FORWARD

Did you know that almost half of the people with a stoma (that’s around 43%) prefer to sit down when they empty their ostomy bags? This is the most popular way to do it. They say it feels like the way your body naturally goes, and it’s also quite comfy. We also second their stance that it is indeed one of the most comfortable positions to perform the emptying process. Not only this, one can easily empty his ostomy pouch without creating any mess as sitting forward position reduces splashes.

Here is how you can do this process while sitting forward:

Collect all the essentials that you may require at the time of emptying the pouch including plastic bags, gloves, toilet paper, and wipes.
Wash your hands thoroughly with warm water and soap
Sit down on the toilet seat just like you sit on the chair. But lean backward to create more space between your legs. Create more distance between your legs by pulling your legs apart.
Once you are sure that you have acquired a comfortable position, carefully detach the adhesive seal from the skin barrier.
Aim the tail of your ostomy bag in between your legs over the toilet bowl. Now gently squeeze and empty the contents by rolling the bag from the bottom up.
After emptying the contents of the bag into the toilet bowl, you can rinse the bag with water to ensure cleanliness and dry it properly using toilet paper.

HOW TO EMPTY AN OSTOMY BAG WHILE STANDING

Approximately 29% of the ostomates prefer to empty their ostomy bags in a standing position as they think it is one of the most convenient positions. Also for obese and overweight people, it’s an ideal position as sitting forward position doesn’t give them enough space to effectively empty their pouch. The most prominent disadvantage of this position is splash back which can be overcome by aiming at the inner side of the toilet bowl rather than the middle.

Here is how you can empty a colostomy bag while standing

Collect all the essentials that you may require at the time of emptying the pouch including a plastic bag, gloves, toilet paper, and wipes.
Wash your hands thoroughly with warm water and soap
Now stand up facing towards the toilet seat and pull up your shirt
Now carefully detach the adhesive seal from the skin barrier.
Aim the tail of your ostomy bag towards the inner side of the toilet bowl.
Empty the contents by rolling the bag from the bottom up.
After emptying the contents of the bag into the toilet bowl, you can rinse the bag with water to ensure cleanliness and dry it properly using toilet paper.

HOW TO EMPTY AN OSTOMY BAG WHILE KNEELING DOWN

The kneeling down method depends upon the position of your stoma. 17% of the ostomates opt this way for emptying their ostomy pouches. The reason is, that they believe when they kneel down in front of the toilet seat, their pouch will automatically come at the level of the bowl. This eliminates the chances of splashing. However, due to sanitary and hygiene concerns, 83% of the ostomates do not prefer this method.

HOW TO EMPTY AN OSTOMY BAG WHILE SITTING BACKWARD

Sitting backward is one of the most uncommon ways to empty an ostomy bag. In this method, an ostomate has to sit in front or next to the toilet seat and empty all contents into the toilet bowl. Majority of the people find this an inconvenient way.

WHEN IS THE RIGHT TIME TO EMPTY YOUR COLOSTOMY BAG?

Usually colorectal surgeon recommends emptying your colostomy bag when it is one-third full. If you do not get access to any restroom or you don’t get time for it, then one-half full is also recommended. But above one-half full, you would have to face bad consequences which may include bad odor and leaking of bag content.

Talking about the frequency of emptying the colostomy bag, it is recommended to empty it up to eight to nine times a day.

It’s crucial to maintain a routine for emptying your colostomy bag to ensure your comfort, minimize odor, and maintain good hygiene.

Remember, the key to emptying a colostomy bag lies in finding the method that suits you best. Everyone is unique, and what works for one person might not work for another. Experiment with different positions and techniques to discover what feels most comfortable and efficient for you.